When the Sisters first obtained the property here in Mendota Heights, one of the first orders of business was to plant trees on what was once farmland. The newly-organized village of Mendota Heights provided 1000 trees that the Sisters, with the help of others, planted during the summers of 1965 and 1966. The trees are a vital part of the living legacy of the Sisters and our school. The Monastery and school have embarked on a partnership with SavATree to ensure that we can be good stewards of our campus and carry on the Sisters’ legacy. Without thoughtful management and intervention, trees may fall into a mortality spiral.

Teddy Paterson, a Vis alum and SavATree Arborist, has created a plan that will keep our trees healthy and vibrant for many years to come. The first step in the partnership with SaveATree was to create a Tree Inventory. SavATree Arborists spent three days on our campus, identifying, marking and determining the health of over 900 trees on the most visible and used areas of campus. Some trees will have interventions done to promote their health; some will need to be removed because they are no longer vital; they are invasive or are a safety concern for people and structures on campus. These interventions will be done in phases as time and budget allow. In addition to the pruning, treatment, and removal of trees; planting native, disease resistance trees in appropriate places, is a part of the plan so that the health and beauty of the campus is maintained. Teddy is also working with members of the Visitation staff to incorporate the benefits of our tree campus into the school curriculum. Trees are a valuable asset to our campus and the surrounding community. Some of these benefits include:

• Improved air quality on campus. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air and release oxygen. This can lead to a healthier environment for students, faculty, and staff.
• Enhanced aesthetic appeal of the campus. Trees provide a beautiful backdrop for buildings and open spaces, creating a more inviting and welcoming atmosphere. The rustling of leaves and the sounds of birds can create a peaceful environment that is conducive to learning and relaxation.
• Improved habitat for wildlife. This can help maintain biodiversity on campus and promote ecological sustainability.

We do all this in our 150th year to honor the hard work the Sisters put in all those years ago to give us this gift today.