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The MUSC Arboretum

"Healing Through Nature” MUSC is a Tree Campus and Tree Campus Healthcare Designee 

About the MUSC Arboretum

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.

Our Mission

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.

Arborist Fruit Tree Video Series

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.

Planting Fruit Trees
Fertilizing Fruit Trees
Fruit Trees in Containers
Pruning Fruit Trees

Vision

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

Get Involved

Volunteer
The Arboretum is always looking for volunteers. To volunteer, contact: Andrew Hargett hargetta@musc.edu, Noni Langford langforn@musc.edu
Events
You can find the latest news and upcoming event information on our Facebook page.

 

Meet our Arboretum Board

Dr. Helen J. Burton
MUSC Assistant Professor Infectious Health
Harleyh@musc.edu

Mrs. Julie F. Ham
Ex-Officio Member
MUSC Engineering & Facilities Administration
hamj@musc.edu

Mr. Andrew B. Hargett
Ex-Officio Member
MUSC Engineering & Facilities, Grounds Department
hargetta@musc.edu

Brooks Host
Community Representative
brooks.host@gmail.com

Dr. Susan L. Johnson
Community Representative
johnsusa@musc.edu

Ms. Noni Langford
Ex-Officio Member
MUSC Engineering & Facilities, Grounds Department
langforn@musc.edu

Dr. Timothy J. Lyons
MUSC College of Medicine
lyonstj@musc.edu

Mrs. Harriet McDougal
Community Representative
hpmcdougal@gmail.com

Ms. Lisa Montgomery
Community Representative
montgomerylisap@gmail.com

Dr. Alex Pappas
Community Representative
logothetis@aol.com

Dr. Danielle M. Ripich
Community Representative
dripich@gmail.com

Dr. Joseph G. Reves
Chair, Arboretum Advisory Board Dean
Emeritus, MUSC College of Medicine
RevesJ@musc.edu

Dr. Don C. Rockey
MUSC College of Medicine
rockey@musc.edu

Dr. Sally E. Self
Vice Chair, Arboretum Advisory Board
MUSC Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
selfs@musc.edu

Ms. Robin C. Smith
Ex-Officio Member
MUSC Engineering & Facilities, Grounds Dept
smirc@musc.edu

Dr. Sarah Stender
Community Representative
Sarahrs99@gmail.com

Mrs. Christine Von Kolnitz
Community Representative
Vonkolnc1@gmail.com

Dr. Sally A. Webb
MUSC Dept of Pediatrics, Critical Care
webbsa@musc.edu

Mr. John Winthrop
Community Member
Winthropj36@gmail.com

 

Andrew Hargett
hargetta@musc.edu

Noni Langford
langforn@musc.edu

Robin Smith
smirc@musc.edu