Nature was celebrated and supported as two enthusiastic activists planted native wildflowers Monday morning in Dunn’s Woods.
The event was held as a part of the Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project, a group that formerly met once a week to promote expanding vegetation in the Bloomington area, but now meets only for special occasions and events. IU sophomore Zoe Need and IU biology professor Heather Reynolds gathered to support the natural symbol that Dunn’s Woods is to students, Reynolds said. The two now meet most often as a part of special event in conjunction with volunteer groups on campus, Reynolds said.
“Dunn’s Woods, of course, is a cultural icon for the campus,” Reynolds said. “It’s this beloved place that has all of this historical significance, but it also has natural significance. It provides this green oasis in the heart of the campus.”
The purpose of the planting is to support the environment and to keep Bloomington’s campus alive and thriving, Reynolds said.
“Definitely the woodlands and the forest are helping to make IU a desirable place for people to want to come and do their education,” Reynolds said.
Need said she has been working with the Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project for over two years. She said she participates to support the natural environment of IU’s campus.
“I am from Bloomington, so I grew up on campus,” Need said. “I didn’t associate Bloomington with the buildings necessarily, I think that initially I associated it more with forests on campus.”
Reynolds said the forests at IU have contributed to it being named the second most beautiful campus in the nation according to USA Today. She said embracing this strengthens campus morale.
“Culturally, its very significant in terms of people’s recreational and stress relief,” Reynolds said. “We’re just helping to preserve this historical landmark on campus by making it beautiful and aesthetic.”
Reynolds and Need both agreed that nature made them feel at ease and at home, and that contributing to nature was something they both felt strongly about.
The Office of the Provost’s marketing campaign, “IU is Home,” showcases students discussing the dorms and buildings of campus reminding them of home. When Need thinks of IU as home, however, she thinks of a different aspect of campus.
“When I think of IU being home, I think of walking through Dunn Woods and going on walks on campus when I was in elementary school and middle school.”
