LC State to Plant 'Lewis & Clark' Elm for Arbor Day, Tree Campus Recognition

The college will celebrate its sixth consecutive designation as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education institution.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:33am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a young elm tree in the foreground, surrounded by a warm, hazy glow of soft, colorful light, conceptually representing the new tree planting on the LC State campus.The planting of a new heritage elm tree on the LC State campus continues the college's long tradition of environmental stewardship and campus forestry.Lewiston Today

Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho will plant a new 'Lewis & Clark' prairie expedition American elm tree on May 1 to celebrate Arbor Day and the school's sixth consecutive designation as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education institution. The ceremony will feature remarks from college leadership and faculty about the significance of the tree and the school's commitment to campus forestry and conservation.

Why it matters

As a Tree Campus Higher Education institution, LC State has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining a healthy campus urban forest and engaging students in environmental stewardship. The planting of this disease-resistant elm cultivar that reflects the school's heritage continues that tradition and helps preserve the iconic Art Under the Elms event.

The details

The new elm tree will be planted at the northeast corner of the LC State campus near the intersection of 7th Avenue and 6th Street, replacing several previous elm trees that had to be removed due to disease or age. The 'Lewis & Clark' cultivar was selected by the college's Arboretum Committee because it ties into the school's history and is resistant to Dutch elm disease.

  • The tree planting ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 1, 2026.
  • LC State has been designated as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education institution for the past six consecutive years.

The players

Carrie Kyser

Chair of the LC State Arboretum Committee.

Cynthia Pemberton

President of Lewis-Clark State College.

Amanda Van Lanen

Chair of the Humanities Division at LC State.

Lewis-Clark State College

A public college located in Lewiston, Idaho that is celebrating its sixth consecutive designation as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education institution.

Arbor Day Foundation

A nonprofit conservation and education organization that recognizes colleges and universities for campus forest management and student engagement in conservation efforts through the Tree Campus Higher Education program.

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What they’re saying

“The new tree will replace several elm trees previously removed because of disease or age. The variety was chosen because it reflects the school's heritage, ties into the campus tradition of Art Under the Elms, and is resistant to Dutch elm disease.”

— Carrie Kyser, Chair of the LC State Arboretum Committee

“As a Tree Campus Higher Education institution, LC State has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining a healthy campus urban forest and engaging students in environmental stewardship.”

— Cynthia Pemberton, President of Lewis-Clark State College

What’s next

The college will hold the tree planting ceremony on May 1, 2026 at 2 p.m. to celebrate Arbor Day and the school's continued recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution.

The takeaway

LC State's commitment to maintaining a vibrant campus urban forest and engaging students in conservation efforts through its status as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution helps preserve the college's natural heritage and tradition of environmental stewardship.