Tree Maps & Tree Walks
The following maps enable one to visit and get acquainted with particular trees and learn their names. A major step on the path to familiarity is learning a name; thus armed, the explorer can look up information and talk to others about discoveries.
These maps, along with the list of Noteworthy Trees below, can be used to create pleasant outings or guided tree walks. To be a tour guide, it is not necessary to be an expert. Experience shows that groups should be limited to about a dozen people; if there are more, you will find the laggards strolling up to a tree just as you are moving off with the main group to your next fascinating stop. Those bringing up the rear have, however, been enjoying their own conversation and don’t seem to mind missing your commentary, no matter how brilliant.
The following seven maps provide a good start for those planning tree tours. The areas mapped are centrally located, and have both a diversity and density of trees. All are oriented with north down, as if approaching from Palm Drive, except the Cantor Center map, which is oriented toward Museum Way. Scale varies somewhat, but fixed features—buildings, pathways, streets, sculpture, lawns, and numerous lampposts—should allow fairly precise location.
Residents of neighboring cities are in the same climatic zone as Stanford and will find our tree collection relevant to their own interests. Conversely there are specimens of interest to campus dwellers that are located off campus. A dozen Palo Alto tree walks are available in printed form and online from Canopy, a local tree advocacy group.
Stanford tree maps
Specific areas (as of 2004):
| Latest version of map | Previous versions of map | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cantor Arts Center (Museum) | ||
| School of Law/Canfield Court | ||
| Green/Meyer Library Area | View across Lasuen Mall to Quad from Green Library West | |
| Inner Quad (7 Oct 2015) |
Inner Quad (2003) Inner Quad (1973) Inner Quad (1971) |
View toward outer
northeast circle 5 Oct 2003 View from 1,000′ by Prof. Robert Siegel 17 May 2008 |
| Escondido Mall/South Quad | ||
| Wilbur Hall | Wilbur Hall tree canopy | |
| Old Union | All of the landscape shown on the map for the inner courts was replaced during the summer of 2007. The beautiful Erythrina humeana facing White Plaza was also removed. |
Stanford’s Noteworthy Trees map & accompanying descriptions.
Tiptoe through the Trees map (PDF). Produced by Stanford University Health Improvement Program in 1984, this is dated, but still a useful and innovative approach to campus tree appreciation.
Stanford Grounds Services Arizona Garden, Spring plant walks, & other points of interest.
Canopy tree walk maps.