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Friday, March 12, 1999
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Initiated in 1987, the Alumni Lane project asks graduating students to donate one dollar toward the purchase of a tree in memory of their class. To date, trees representing classes beginning in 1962 form a verdant corridor along the walkway between Math and Computer and Burt Matthews hall. But for many of those years, exotic specimen trees were favoured.
For the class of 1962, a Schwedler maple was planted, which leads off a row of Norway, crimson king, harlequin and sugar maples, followed by a variety of oaks, a tulip tree, amur cork tree and horse chestnut along the east side of the lane. On the west, classes from 1988 to 1998 have contributed locusts and chestnuts, as well as a gingko, butternut, London planetree, maple, linden and ash.
Of those, less than half are indigenous species. "Native plants are the ones best suited for the Ontario climate. They are the ones that now grace the forests, shores and wetlands of this province. Their use adds an important element of ecological integrity to the University of Waterloo campus," explains Watgreen.
In July 1997, Watgreen prepared a list of native trees and shrubs recommended for planting on campus. Grounds foreperson Jerry Hutton says no commitment has been made by plant operations to stick to the list, but it is used "whenever possible. "We try to select a tree appropriate to the environment, considering native species first. They may do better in drought conditions, for example," he added, "but I haven't found noticeable differences in care and maintenance needs."
One of the more spectacular trees on campus, says Hutton, is a dawn redwood growing on the south side of Biology 2, far from its natural habitat on the west coast. Aside from the problem of squirrels ripping off its bark, the tree -- nearly 50 years old -- is thriving.
The grounds crew attempts to balance heritage preservation with directives from landscape architects and requests for dedicated trees on campus. As for Alumni Lane, Hutton would like "as much as possible to focus on native species, especially the larger-growing shade trees."
Although the tree for the class of 1999 has yet to be selected, it could be another species of ash, according to grounds foreperson Les Van Dongen. The class of 1998 tree was a white ash, and most new trees planted on campus are native species, since they are usually hardier and require less care than more exotic specimen trees.
Organized by the Student Ambassador Association (SAA), this year's Alumni Lane campaign is under way with the placement of bright yellow donation boxes in the Federation of Students office, the SAA office (Student Life Centre room 2122), and in student society offices across campus. Anyone interested in helping with fundraising is invited to contact SAA at ext. 4626.
Environment and resource studies professors Steve Murphy and Ian Rowlands have received a total of about $150,000 in federal and provincial funding for the facility. Some $75,000 in infrastructure funds was provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, with matching funds from the Ontario Research Development Challenge Fund.
The two faculty members are working in partnership with geography professor Peter Deadman and Paul Fieguth, systems design engineering.
The lab will contain computers, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) equipment, statistical analysis terminals, environmental modelling capacity and multimedia equipment.
"This will increase our capacity for senior undergraduate and graduate research as well as our ability to facilitate collaborative research within and outside the University of Waterloo," Murphy said. The lab will be used for cross-scalar and interdisciplinary analysis of environment and resource issues and recommending management approaches in Canada and elsewhere.
"We will be doing everything from population-level ecological studies through landscape-level analyses of forest ecosystems, oceanographic and climatological processes within a biophysical and policy context," he said.
Moderator Rt. Rev. Bill Phipps will speak at the UW college's special event that will be held off campus at First United Church, 16 William St. W. in Waterloo from 3 to 4 p.m.
Phipps, who has worked as a poverty lawyer, community organizer, hospital chaplain and adult educator, was elected moderator in 1997. He is widely known for his commitment to social justice.
The service is held annually to celebrate the college's United Church roots, said principal Helga Mills. It will include a special tribute to the United Church founders of the college, have an academic procession and include St. Paul's students as readers, musicians and ushers. A reception will follow.
Work reports marked by co-op coordinators will be available at the co-op reception desk today. Acceptance of employment meetings will continue, if necessary, and continuous phase posting #3 expires at 8 p.m.
"Does Jesus have a Y2K Problem? The Relevance of Following Jesus in the New Millenium" will be explored by Janine Langan of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, in a talk at 7 p.m. in Optometry room 347. The event is sponsored by Waterloo Christian Fellowship.
The close of International Women's Week will be marked tonight with a coffee house co-sponsored by the women's centres at UW and Wilfrid Laurier University. The event kicks off at 8 p.m. at the Moody Blues Cafe on Regina Street in Waterloo. An open invitation is extended to those who wish to listen or read. For more information contact Christine Cheng at ccheng@engmail.uwaterloo.ca.
Argentina will be the focus of a Kiwanis Travelogue tonight starting at 8 in the Humanities Theatre, Hagey Hall.
St. Paul's United College is hosting its 27th annual Black Forest Coffee House tonight and Saturday night at 8 p.m. The non-profit event sponsored by the St. Paul's student council promotes local bands and musicians, usually students and alumni, who audition for a chance to play. Admission is $3 per night, or $5 for both evenings.
UW parking services will be closed on Saturday "due to a shortage in staff". Requests for visitor parking or temporary parking permits can be directed to UW police, open 24 hours a day.
Our neighbours to the east -- even beyond University Avenue -- are celebrating College Royal this weekend, when the University of Guelph opens its door to the public. Running Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m., highlights include live animal surgery at OVC, cat and dog shows, a square dance competition, lectures on biotechnology, and puppet shows and face painting for the kids.
If you go down to the Bookstore on Monday, you'd better go in disguise. 'Cause that's the day the teddy bears have their picnic. The Kids' Club event takes place "with P.B. Bear" at 1 p.m. RSVP to Olga at ext. 3914.
The UW staff association office will be closed next week, March 15 to 19, but two executive members will be taking calls if anyone needs immediate assistance: Chris Henderson, ext. 2854, and Kelly Wilker, ext. 3092.
Only a handful of spaces remain in the 29th Hagey Funspiel on Saturday, March 20 at the Ayr Curling Club. All UW faculty, staff and friends are welcome, and curling experience is not required. To register, phone Pat Cunningham at ext. 5413 "immediately".
Volunteer opportunities available through the Volunteer Action Centre this week include positions with the Social Planning Council/Community Information Centre, a coach (with NCCP level 1) to work with physically disabled athletes, and an "income tax whiz" to assist the K-W Multicultural Centre in helping clients prepare their tax returns. To learn more, contact the VAC at 742-8610.
Barbara Elve
bmelve@uwaterloo.ca
Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information
and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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