University of Delaware Office of Public Relations The Messenger Vol. 6, No. 1/1996 Recognition: A Special Report To Preserve the Elms When I saw the grounds crew replacing dying elms on the Mall, I asked if I could donate two for the front of Sypherd Residence Hall where I lived as a student," says Steve Grimble, Delaware '66. Grimble, who was recently appointed treasurer and vice president of the University, says he always enjoyed walking under the towering elm trees, which have been a hallmark of the University Mall for decades. His contribution is among the first in a newly established campus beautification program, which allows alumni and friends to sponsor the planting of a tree or the placement of a bench at the Newark or Wilmington campuses or at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. Grimble says he took pleasure in the Mall even before he became a student. And, when he first arrived on campus, John L. Burmeister, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, recalls being "totally captivated by the [Mall's] grace, beauty and timelessness." Planted by students sometime after 1917, when a development plan for the newly combined Delaware College and the Women's College provided for a "Green," these lofty sentinels have watched over generations of students. In a recent speech, Carol Hoffecker, Richards Professor of History, said, "in defiance of Dutch elm disease, [the elms} continue to define the Mall today, their overarching branches providing shade in summer and a graceful, yet rugged, beauty in all seasons." However, Dutch elm disease, which first struck in the 1960s, has taken its toll. Currently, there are 40 elms on the Mall and 45 in other campus areas, for a total of 85 trees still standing. This compares to 163 trees in 1972, Roger Bowman, supervisor of the grounds division, says. When springtime blossoms reach their peak on campus, the elm bark beetle, Ceotocystitits ulmi, which transmits the Dutch elm disease fungus, emerges to mate and lay its eggs under the bark of elm trees. The beetle larvae feed on the tree, and, in May, mature beetles fly to tops of nearby trees to feed on new growth and begin the cycle again. The major symptom of the disease is flagging, when leaves in the crown of the tree turn yellow, and brown streaking is found in the wood. Trying to preserve the elms, campus grounds workers remove diseased portions of the trees and all dead wood, inject fungicide and also spray for elm bark beetles. Beetles also are lured and killed by adhesive traps placed around campus. This year, four trees were lost to Dutch elm disease, and one was destroyed in a storm. Gradually, the elms on the Mall are being replaced by zelkova village green trees, whose wine-glass shape and foliage is similar to American elms, but which are not susceptible to Dutch elm disease. Many friends of the University have expressed an interest in helping to contribute to campus beautification, according to John M. Clayton Jr., assistant director for administrative services in the University development office. Several teak benches have been positioned along the Mall, and other donors have contributed to the planting of trees on the grounds of the Blue and Gold Club and at Harrington Beach. Under the new program, a small plaque will mark gifts as tributes to loved ones or to commemorate events, such as birthdays or anniversaries. There are several gift opportunities possible, ranging from $100 to $1,250, or donors may contribute to larger projects. For further information or to contribute, contact Clayton, at telephone (302) 831-2104.