San Jacinto College has relocated trees displaced by the bond construction activity at Central campus. Forty-five trees that were facing demolition have found a new home at the College's golf course.
Changes abound at SJC Central campus as site work continues to create new surfaces for roads, drives, and parking lots. However, the College's commitment to going 'green' remains the same.
Over the last two years, SJC 'Green Teams' at each campus have met and discussed ways to minimize the College's impact on the environment. This resulted in a new set of environmentally friendly guidelines regarding everything from best practices in recycling to the addition of renewable energy quotas within the College's contract with its electricity provider.
However, according to Jeff Tschappatt, SJC grounds specialist, saving trees from unnecessary destruction has been a long-standing practice at the College. "We started saving trees at least 15 years ago," said Tschappatt.
"Any time we had a project or something where they were going to be taking out trees, we'd make an effort to save them." The recent move stands out as the College's biggest tree relocation project thus far.
The SJC grounds crew recently worked with Gulf Coast Trees to relocate 16 oak trees and 23 crepe myrtles from the area surrounding Miller Road to the College's golf course.
Not only did this save the plants from demolition, it also helped to replace fifty trees the golf course lost during Hurricane Ike. New trees and landscaping will be added to Miller Road once construction is complete.
"It was a decision that was beneficial both to the environment and to the College," said Bryan Jones, associate vice chancellor of facilities and construction. "Throughout this capital improvement project, we've identified and embraced a number of ways to minimize the College's environmental impact in the present and moving forward. Saving the trees displaced by the bond construction was a real win-win."
Also rescued were one pecan tree, three single trunk crepe myrtles and two holly trees which were located near the Health Science Building. The trees were relocated to make room for the new Health Science Annex Building.
Market value of the saved trees is estimated at $30,000, while overall moving costs totaled $4,200.
San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. For more information about San Jacinto College, visit www.sanjac.edu or call 281-998-6150.
