Parking Update

Due to necessary adjustments to the scope of the geothermal work that is occurring in front of Lyman there will be NO accessible parking in front of Lyman for approximately the next two weeks. The closest handicap accessible parking space on College Lane is about 200 yards south of Lyman (just north of the Smith Conference Center). If Lyman guests need this space and assistance getting closer to Lyman there is a number posted on an adjacent sign where guests can call for a ride that will get them to within 30 yards of Lyman. Please call 413-585-2742 for more information if needed.

 

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Eight New Champion Trees Gain Recognition in Arboretum

News

Published September 19, 2023

During the 2023 summer arboriculture intern, UMass graduate student Tes Siarnacki took on the project of surveying the Botanic Garden of Smith College arboretum to identify potential champion trees growing on campus. In the past, the campus has held as many as 10 trees with champion status at once and currently had six on the list. 

Siarnacki identified eight new trees by using the big tree score (see below). The trees have been given the official champion tree designation by the state and will be added to the Massachusetts Tree Legacy Program list this winter. This will bring the total state champions trees in the arboretum to 14.

The newly-designated champion trees are:

  • Mountain Silverbell (Halesia monticola) by the President’s House

  • Honey Locust (Gleditsia) by Scales House

  • River Birch (Betula nigra) by Scales House

  • Chinese Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus) by Duckett House

  • Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) by Dewey House 

  • Camperdown Elm (Ulmus glabra camperdownii) by Lyman

  • Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora) by Smith Turf Field

  • American Holly (Ilex opaca) behind the Smith College Campus School 

 

The big tree score or Champion Tree formula is: Trunk Circumference (inches) + Height (feet) + ¼ Average Crown Spread (feet) = Total Points.