Did you know?

Is it a time for another installment of "Did you know?"

I came across some interesting UMass websites recently (well interesting to me anyway) and you never know when you may get a strange question and these sites could help. The first one is called Campus Trees and it is all about the campus trees on the UMass Amherst campus. It includes options like Commemorative Trees, Class Trees, Champion Trees, and Heritage Trees. It includes information about the tree, if it is still located on campus, and most of the ones still standing have a picture. The oldest tree they have listed is from 1872 and is an American Elm. They planted one for each of the students that graduated in 1872. They believe the picture below is the only one that still remains on campus. Sort of sad.

For information regarding the trees on campus click HERE.

The next site is about UMass Amherst Campus Memorials. It includes information and sometimes pictures regarding benches, gardens, buildings, etc that have been placed in as a memorial to someone. The oldest on campus is pictured below. It is located in the Rhododendron Garden (not quite sure where this is located but my guess would be somewhere near Durfee). The inscription reads, "These gate posts erected here by Stockbridge School Class of 1940 Originally given to Prescott, Mass. by John Atkinson in 1840." If you scratching your head as to where Prescott Massachusetts is it is because it no longer exists. It was disincorporated on April 28, 1938 so that the Quabbin Reservoir could be created. Quabbin Reservoir is the primary water supply for Boston. The majority of what was Prescott is still above water and is known as Prescott Peninsula.

For more information regarding Campus Memorials click HERE.