"Healing Through Nature” MUSC is a Tree Campus and Tree Campus Healthcare Designee
More than just a collection of trees, an arboretum invites exploration and learning. The MUSC Arboretum stretches across our entire main campus, creating a living landscape that can be experienced from any corner. Our inventory of over 2000 trees ranges from ancient live oaks to new fruit saplings. Each tree is supported by a dedicated care plan to ensure optimal health within our urban environment. Over 70% of the campus tree inventory consists of SC Lowcountry, native species.
In addition to the healing and calming benefits provided by a healthy tree canopy, trees also offer a reduction in air pollution by converting substances from the air to oxygen, reducing noise pollution, providing cooling through shade and transportation, and capturing and filtering storm water runoff.
Visit the MUSC Arboretum Facebook Page or MUSC Arboretum Instagram Page for more information on events, featured trees, and photos.
The mission of the MUSC Arboretum is to transform the university campus into a place of optimal healing and learning by creating an urban landscape that invigorates, inspires, and teaches through nature.
These video lessons feature Andrew Hargett, MUSC’s Arborist. They also feature numerous gardens across MUSC’s campus that highlight natives, medicinal plants, healthy food choices and tranquil spaces.
Numerous studies and books have shown that patients heal more effectively when they are able to see green spaces—trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, and other elements of nature. At MUSC, state-of-the-art medical care is complemented by thoughtfully designed views of natural landscapes from patient rooms, entrances, terraces, and walkways. Simply put, being surrounded by nature supports and enhances the healing process.
Learning is enhanced in environments that invite reflection and focus. The warm, soothing natural ambiance of an arboretum creates a calm and inspiring setting that supports stress-free learning and deeper thinking.
Arboretum and began appointing members of the MUSC Arboretum Advisory Board. In 2011, the Board solicited and received a master plan for the Arboretum from the Clemson Design Center under the guidance of Ray Huff, Director. The original plan—and the ongoing effort—has been to meet and maintain the requirements for MUSC to be Tree Campus USA and Health Care Campus USA designated. This goal was achieved in the spring of 2012, establishing a lasting and accountable landscape management plan for the campus.
The most important priority of the Arboretum Board is to transform the campus to achieve the optimal patient care and learning environment for our patients, students, faculty, staff and visitors. This requires the acquisition and deployment of financial resources that are beyond the means of the University alone. MUSC’s campus has evolved through a series of transformative projects. Yet some efforts remain unfinished, awaiting the funding that would bring immediate and meaningful change. Philanthropy in support of this mission is a key reason behind the creation and continued growth of the MUSC Arboretum.
Please use the link below to help us grow our roots and let nature heal our future generations. https://giving.musc.edu/arboretum
Andrew Hargett
hargetta@musc.edu
Noni Langford
langforn@musc.edu
Robin Smith
smirc@musc.edu