IU Health Bloomington Arbor Day tradition is about more than an annual tree planting

IU Health Bloomington leadership and representatives from Indiana University gathered on Arbor Day (Friday, April 24) near the IU Health Bloomington Emergency department parking lot, to commemorate the facility’s continued recognition as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Healthcare Facility.

Participants also took part in the annual tradition of planting a new tree on campus—a Sweetbay Magnolia, or ‘Magnolia virginiana.’ This year’s tree will produce fragrant flowers in the spring and is semi-evergreen.

IU Health South Region President Denzil Ross said, “Today is about more than planting trees—it’s about celebrating the many ways trees enrich our lives and truly color our world. Trees shape the character of our hospital, campus and the community. They provide beauty and shade, clean the air we breathe, and help keep our neighborhoods cooler and healthier.”

Being around trees can also support wellbeing by reducing stress, lifting moods and encouraging people to slow down and reconnect with nature and with one another.

Mia Williams, University Landscape Architect at Indiana University, shared that she thinks nature should be more of a clinical requirement instead of an amenity, and compliments IU Health for its efforts to integrate nature with this facility.

She added, “There was a study in 1984 entitled, ‘View through a window may influence recovery from surgery,’ and it talked about how exposure to a natural, green environment contributes to better outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays, less pain relief needed and better overall mood.”

Other studies have shown how being in a natural space can elevate a person’s mood while lowering blood pressure and heart rate, which can be helpful for patients and caregivers alike.

So, next time you’re feeling stressed and can take a break, step outside and enjoy the nature surrounding you.