A low-key event on Calvin's campus at the end of April celebrated a day with roots in the last century.

The first Arbor day took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska and today
is celebrated in all 50 states -- observed every year on the last
Friday in April. It is, quite simply, a day on which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees.

Arbor Day 2007 was celebrated at Calvin with the planting of a beautiful birch tree, donated to the college by Grand Rapids-based Bartlett Tree Experts.

Bartlett's Brian Hiemstra notes that the company decided in 2006 to participate in the Arbor Day celebration and make it an annual event.

"We have committed to plant a tree on Arbor Day on a selected client's property to demonstrate our love for trees and our appreciation for the relationship we share with our clients," he says.

So on April 27, 2007, Hiemstra and colleague Scott Van Wyk -- both Calvin graduates -- planted near Calvin's Burton Street exit a river birch.

"It is a medium-sized tree which will achieve a height of 50 to 60 feet at maturity," says Hiemstra. "It is attractive for ornamental use because of its graceful form and attractive bark. We picked the tree because they grow well in Michigan, are relatively free of insect and disease problems, and it provides tree diversity on the campus."

Hiemstra says the relationship between Bartlett and Calvin College goes back 25-plus years when Poortenga Tree Service and Jim Poortenga began to work with the college to care for the many trees around the campus.

"When Jim sold his tree care business to Bartlett Tree Experts in
1999," says Hiemstra, "the relationship continued."

And today a birch tree grows on Calvin's campus as testament to that enduring relationship.