Beginning in the 1930s, the Dutch Elm Disease (DED) affected substantial portions of the once common American elm. Today, shorter lived American elm trees persist in forests however due to their smaller size they no longer play as large of an ecological role as they once did. However, a few larger mature elms survived in the aftermath of DED. Researchers are interested in obtaining genetic material from these trees to potentially establish a DED resistant American elm which will allow for the continued survival of the tree species and a potential rebound.

The recently formed Alphawood Arboretum at Illinois Tech is home to many American elms which have continued to thrive in the aftermath of DED. The Arboretum is excited to announce that we will be taking part in the USFS program by providing genetic samples from our mature American elm specimen to aid in the program. This past week, Joseph Gawle the Arboretum Arborist documented American elm #1534-2022 U and collected cuttings and other genetic material to send off to the program.

The documentation of the American elms is part of the larger arboretum project to geolocate all the tree specimens on the Mies Campus to aid in the preservation of the historic landscape. The project also aims to help increase involvement and awareness from the local community by developing a system by which community members can more easily access information on the trees on the campus. As of now the arboretum has successfully moved major portions of the existing data onto a website which will allow for further documentation of the existing trees as well as more efficient management. As a plus the website also allows for the location of each tree within the system as well as basic information on each tree to be displayed. The website can be seen via this link.

As we strive to achieve arboretum level 2, these programs will be vital by increasing public access and celebration of the historic trees on campus.