Removal of Cistern trees causes heated debates on faculty listserv

Published: Thursday, February 5, 2009

Updated: Friday, February 6, 2009 11:02

Dr Jean Everett Interview from Jason Parker on Vimeo.

The College is considering removing trees surrounding Randolph Hall in the Cistern, according to Facilities Planning vice president Monica Scott in a faculty listserv e-mail on Feb. 5.

Architectural, engineering, landscape, and historical preservation experts completed the state funded Conservation Master Plan in 2007. The plan focused on preserving Randolph Hall, Towell Library, and Porters Lodge, said Scott.

The team concluded that constant moisture on stucco and substrate contributes to deterioration of Randolph Hall, said Scott.

Stucco refers to the claylike material on the walls of Randolph Hall and substrate refers to the base of a structure that the stucco is attached to.

The trees too close to historic buildings keep it damp, clog rain gutters, and compromise drainage around the foundation, said Scott.

The College agreed that it should remove magnolia trees near Randolph Hall and make other landscape adjustments to protect the historic building, said Scott.

Senior biology instructor Jean Everett sent an e-mail to the faculty listserv protesting the removal of these ten trees from the Cistern.

The College plans to cut down four magnolia trees, two palms, and four American hollies, said Everett.

“I feel that cutting these trees will significantly diminish the beauty of our campus landscape, and significantly reduce the diversity of the plantings around Randolph Hall,” said Everett.

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Jason Parker

Tue Feb 10 2009 16:39

I haven't heard anyone elaborate on what damage exactly these trees are doing, beyond causing the building to retain moisture. If that is the case, then it seems as though pruning and trimming of the trees would not only increase air flow but would be both cheaper and easier than removing them outright.

Sean H.

Tue Feb 10 2009 12:47

I work with one of the fims involved with this project, and am a historic preservation major at the college so hear me out. The trees in question are not old by any means 20-30 years old max, and are not the oaks spread out across the cistern lawn. The trees are being removed because if left unchecked they will cause extensive damage to the historic fabric of our beloved Randolph Hall. I implore everybody to walk through the cistern and imagine what it would feel like if Randalph Hall disappeared, that's how serious this issue is.

Michael J.

Tue Feb 10 2009 03:18

I do not think that people are understanding what is being planned. The plan is not to clear cut the cistern, but to remove only those trees that are contributing to the structural problems of the buildings. I appreciate Dr. Everett's concern along with the rest of the student body, but as a Historic Preservation student who has taken the Preservation Engineering class I can tell you that the situation with these buildings is dangerous. Not only must the damage to these buildings be repaired, which is extensive and compounded on by decades of poor repairs and upkeep, but the causes of the problems must be mitigated. I believe with proper consultaion between engineers, biologist, landscape architects, preservationist, and the general public a suitable solution can be found.

If we fail to act with Randolph Hall being in a deterioted condition then we risk losing something more than a dozen beautiful trees, we lose the flagship symbol of our campus. We can not lose Randolph Hall by all means.

Jason Parker

Mon Feb 9 2009 18:10

I think that it's important to point out that the trees in question are the ones directly adjacent to Randolph Hall. Nobody is talking about cutting down any of the oak trees in the cistern.

Lindsey Breitwieser

Fri Feb 6 2009 15:03

I really cannot believe anyone would want to remove these beautiful trees from the campus! Besides offering shade, OXYGEN (duh), and beauty, these old trees are a trademark of the College. No other place has the grace and beauty these magnificent trees offer. Plus, no one would come to the cistern to relax or paint or read or picnic without shade and a peaceful atmosphere. And what pictures would be featured on the covers of the student handbook or admissions applications or brochures? Some terribly HOT, muddy yard? No way. KEEP THE TREES!!!!

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