A 'passion for trees' led to new book

A new book, "The Trees of Winona State University," by Bill Meyer and Tom Grier documents every one of nearly 1,000 trees on the Winona campus with detailed maps and dozens of color photographs and close-ups of tree characteristics such as leaves, bark, fruit or blooms.

"My passion is trees," said Meyer, the university's senior groundskeeper, in presenting a copy to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees at its January meeting. He recounted the book's genesis - a realization that a great deal of information in his head could be formally documented - and then a headcount was performed, with more than 900 trees plotted on a map.

He collaborated with Grier, director of University Communication, to photograph campus trees throughout the seasons. The book celebrates the diversification of trees at Winona State, which Meyer said has more than 90 varieties including "all of the trees that are native to Minnesota."

Bill Meyer, Winona State University senior groundskeeper, pictured with 'The Trees of Winona State University' book.

Bill Meyer, Winona State University senior groundskeeper, catalogued every campus tree for a new book.

Meyer and Grier note that the 98-page book represents the cooperative spirit of the university community. President Darrell Krueger encouraged it, faculty members offered expert opinion on tree varieties and species, local nurseries helped with identification and acquisition of trees, maintenance staff worked to keep the campus attractive, the Publications Office designed the book, and student employees were involved in planting and maintaining trees and in the book's layout and design.

Production costs were supported by a special account set up by Krueger and private gifts. The book sells for $10, with all proceeds going to a special account for maintenance and diversification of the campus trees. The book is available for mail order from the university book store, (507) 457-5319.