Mars Hill University Tree Trail

More than 60 species have been identified on the campus, and over 40 species are included on the tree trail. Most of the species are native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, but a few native specimens to the regions of western North America, Europe, Asia are also present.

The southern Appalachian Mountains hosts more than 100 species of trees. The region is one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world due to mountainous topography and variety of environmental conditions. Within 50 miles of campus, Watrerville and Mount Mitchell, respectively. Likewise, temperature ranges from the warm low elevations of the Broad River Valley to the cool high peaks of the Craggy and Black Mountains. The southern Appalachians are a place where south and north meet. Southern trees, such as sweetgum, coexist in the same landscape with red spruce, a common tree in New England.

The environment around campus supports mixed deciduous forests composed of species adapted to moderate temperatures and moist to dry soils. Oaks, pines, maples, ash, hickory, and tuliptree are common.