While Lauralton’s campus has seen many changes in its 117-year history, one thing that has remained steadfast is the planting of Class Trees. Not only did the Pond and Taylor families plant and preserve specimens of many botanical varieties but the planting of Class Trees has been an Arbor Day ceremony from the School’s earliest days.
Following the blessing and planting of their class gift of three dogwoods, Joanna Collins-Nunan ’83 shared an Arbor Day address to her fellow seniors: “… we have common roots and memories of our years at Lauralton… We have truly blossomed at Lauralton, but there are more seasons to come, more storms to weather, and more growing to be done.”
In September 1985 Hurricane Gloria ravaged the campus, uprooting many of the campus trees. But today, myriad full-grown trees and plantings, saplings and seedlings, bushes and garden flowers continue to replace their fallen ancestors. They are gifts of individuals, families, friends, and classes and memorialize both those loved ones now departed and those senior students just weeks away from their graduation.
On October 23, 2013 the Connecticut Audubon Society named the Lauralton Hall campus a Healthy Habitat for Birds and Wildlife. The designation reflects the ongoing commitment of the administration as well as the work of faculty and students in the Environmental Club, who removed invasive growth and planted a butterfly garden.