Arbor Day Event Brings Out PVM Volunteers to Add Trees to Brunner Complex Landscaping

May 5, 2023

volunteers plant trees along the hill with the Brunner Small Animal Hospital in the background
Volunteers from the College of Veterinary Medicine and across campus turned out in force for a tree planting project at the new Purdue University Veterinary Hospital facilities on Arbor Day.

This year Purdue University turned Earth Day into a month-long celebration that included an Arbor Day tree planting effort to enhance the landscaping around the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex. Campus Planning’s Architecture and Sustainability Department teamed-up with the Grounds Department, Arboretum, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine for the event that afforded a great Earth Month-themed volunteer opportunity for faculty, staff, and students.

Dr. Malek flashes a peace sign as she and Mu finish planting their tree
Dr. Sarah Malek, assistant professor of small animal orthopedic surgery, and Mu Young Kim, a visiting scholar from South Korea, celebrate their success as tree planting volunteers on Arbor Day.

Held on Arbor Day, Friday, April 28, the event helped celebrate the 14th consecutive year of Purdue receiving the Tree Campus USA award. A host of volunteers from the college and across campus turned out for the effort, and helped plant some 60 native trees at the new David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal, Equine, and Farm Animal Hospitals.

The tree planting project also contributed towards Purdue’s 2020 Physical Facilities Sustainability Master Plan goal of planting 3,728 new trees on campus between July 2020 and July 2024. Volunteers were advised to dress appropriately for the tree planting effort. Purdue Grounds provided necessary tree planting gear.

Despite cloudy skies and intermittent rain, the successful event resulted in beautiful additions to the landscaping around the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex. The trees that were planted are in addition to the trees planted as part of the original landscape construction plans for the new facilities.

Thank you to all the volunteers who turned out to lend a hand to this worthy effort!

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.