Campus News
May 12th, 2026
Washington Elm makes history at Garrett College
Seedling joins Wye Oak, Liberty Tree on Mosser Road Heritage Trail
Photos by John Rudd
A Washington Elm seedling was planted last Wednesday at Garrett College in an event jointly sponsored by the College, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Mountain Laurel Garden Club, and the Garrett 250 Committee.
The Washington Elm took its rightful place alongside two other historically significant seedlings last Wednesday at Garrett College.
The seedling – provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – joined seedlings of the Annapolis Liberty Tree and the Eastern Shore’s Wye Oak at Garrett College along the Mosser Road Heritage Trail. The Mountain Laurel Garden Club and Garrett 250 Committee joined DNR and the College as event sponsors.
"Garrett College is the only place I know where you can see the legendary Cambridge [Washington] Elm, the majestic Wye Oak, and the historic Liberty Tree standing together," noted Champ Zumbrun, retired manager of the Green Ridge State Forest and member of the Allegany County Forestry Board. "Their roots are intertwined in a shared purpose."
The event also recognized a recent joint achievement by Garrett College and the Mountain Laurel Garden Club, with GC’s designation as a 2025 Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation. The College, nominated by the Mountain Laurel Garden Club, also earned that recognition in 2024.
Champ Zumbrun, retired manager of the Green Ridge State Forest, told attendees at last week’s planting ceremony that "Garrett College is the only place I know where you can see the legendary Cambridge [Washington] Elm, the majestic Wye Oak, and the historic Liberty Tree standing together."
"Being recognized as a Tree Campus is a significant achievement," said MLGC member Linda Harris. "It demonstrates Garrett College’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community engagement. By meeting the rigorous standards set forth by the Arbor Day Foundation, the College has contributed to a greener and healthier campus environment."
Zumbrun noted the historical significance of the Washington Elm, which "marked the place where General Washington began his commission as commander of the Continental Army" in Cambridge, MA, in 1775.
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, said the College is "honored to be part of creating such a historical legacy along the beautiful Mosser Road Heritage Trail."
Six organizations – Garrett College, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), Garrett Trails, Garrett County Government, the Garrett County Agricultural Fair, and the McHenry United Methodist Church – played roles in the trail’s construction in 2022. Former GC Director of Facilities, Security, and Capital Projects Kathy Meagher, who led that project, was in attendance at last Wednesday’s event.
"It is wonderful to see so many people from the college and the community use the trail," said Meagher, who spent several years working through the easements and funding necessary to turn the trail into reality. "And the plantings of these trees will hopefully draw more people to come, learn about the historical significance of the trees, and enjoy the trail."