View of the Clock Tower during construction of the "East Arb"

History of the VanSteeland Arboretum

The VanSteeland Arboretum at Grand Valley State University had its beginning in 1989. The GVSU administration was looking for a way to encourage the university community to improve its paper recycling program and promised to plant one tree for each ton of paper which was recycled. The Recycling Forest was dedicated in the center of campus near Little Mac Bridge on October 19, 1990, with 33 trees being planted that day. Trees have been planted in that area regularly since then. In 1991 GVSU received an award from the Environmental Protection Agency for the recycling program.

In 1996 a master plan was established for the entire seven acre area, which is bordered by Zumberge Library and Au Sable Hall on the south and ravines on the north, west, and east.

On May 24, 2001, the arboretum was renamed the VanSteeland Arboretum during a dedication ceremony honoring Ronald F. VanSteeland, vice president emeritus, for his commitment to campus beautification.