Trees at Mills College

My Arboriculture class from Merritt College visited Mills College to learn how to evaluate trees (mature trees can add thousands of dollars to the price of a home), and how to assess trees that present a danger. Our guide was Judy Thomas, who worked at Merritt College for many years, developed much of its landscape horticulture curriculum, and now works as a professional tree evaluator. Our class was fortunate to have the opportunity to see the historic campus, known for its botanical collection and heritage.

Rothwell College Center at Mills College

Tree-lined path that follows Richards Road into the campus

Mills College was founded in 1852 as a Young Ladies’ Seminary, originally in Benicia, California, and then moved in 1865 to its present site in the Oakland foothills with the new name Mills College. The college developed a collection of native and exotic plants. In 1919, Mill’s botany professor, Howard E. McMinn, wrote A Manual of Trees, Shrubs and Vines of Mills College Campus, which provides plant identification for its 263 species collection. The book was updated in 2011 (both edititions are available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amanual%20trees%5Cc%20shrubs%20vines%20Mills%20College%20Campus&page=1).

Leona Creek restored with native plants



A Eucalyptus tree that still remains

Mills College worked with Robert Sabbatini, ASLA, from 2006 to 2009 to update their landscape. They developed the Mills College Landscape Heritage Plan, which embraces current ideas in landscape architecture, and retains the College’s sense of place and botanical history. Part of this plan included restoring Leona Creek, which courses through the property, and replacing a landmark double-row of blue gum Eucalyptus trees, planted a hundred years ago, with another type of tree. To view the plan: http://www.sabbatini-loyd.com/r-Mills-Summary.pdf.