By Joy Li ’18

They were a part of CC for more than 100 years, and even though they have been removed, the trees that shaded the front of Tutt Library will not be forgotten.

The trees had to be removed to provide space for the foundation of the new library building. But trees hold a special meaning to many on campus, and to address those sentiments, Chaplain Kate Holbrook held a blessing ceremony for the trees May 9, where about 100 students, faculty, and staff members attended to say goodbye to the trees.

Scott Johnson, associate professor of studio art and director of studio programs, expressed his wish to transform one of the largest trees into a sculptural form that will, “speak to the memory of its growth through the years.” He also preserved a cross section of each tree that was cut down, with plans to host an exhibition of the trees in the new library. Johnson and his students took notes about each tree, detailing things like geographic location and orientation, so that the art project could showcase the cross sections at the exact locations in the new library where the trees once stood.

Some members of the campus community requested tree “cookies,” or parts of the round tree trunk cross sections, as souvenirs. “It was meaningful for a team of CC folks to come together to see to it that the trees were honored and given second lives,” says Johnson.

Ian Johnson, director of sustainability who also participated in the project, says the goal was to ensure the remains of the trees will be treated with respect and put to good use. “It comes down to recognizing that we’re not the only species on this earth,” he says.