After a storm hit the Madison area on the night of May 21, the American Elm tree between Agricultural Hall and the Microbial Sciences Building was left damaged. The tree is marked as one of campus’ Sesquicentennial Trees. After an assessment, crews working to clear the damage determined the tree will need to be removed.

The Sesquicentennial Tree designation was given around 1998 as part of the celebrations surrounding the university’s founding in 1848. It was given only to campus trees then thought to be older than 150 years old. Estimates of trees ages were based on a review of photographs, site conditions and the growth rate for the species. At the time, it was estimated that fewer than 50 trees on campus were Sesquicentennial Trees — all oaks or American elms.

Photos taken by CALS photographer Michael King on the morning of May 22.

This post was updated on May 30, 2024 after experts with Facilities, Planning and Management determined the tree would need to be completely removed.