215 New Trees Spruce Up the University Along Nicolls Road

The side of Nicolls Road just north of the main entrance to Stony Brook University has gotten a lot greener thanks to the Nicolls Road Beautification Project, an initiative of the Campus Operations and Maintenance Department in the Facilities and Services Division.

The project was launched to enhance the visual appeal of the Stony Brook campus and surrounding community along Nicolls Road and near the Ambulatory Surgery Building on East Campus by planting 215 Green Giant Arborvitae trees, each five to six feet tall. They establish a natural evergreen barrier to screen parking lots, buildings and other infrastructure from public view, improving the overall landscape and first impression of the university, while supporting environmental sustainability and long-term campus beautification efforts.

This initiative has been made possible through the ongoing advocacy and support of former NYS Assemblymember and current Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright.

“Our goal with the Nicolls Road Beautification Initiative was to soften the corridor and create a more intentional first impression of campus,” said William Herrmann, vice president for facilities and services and chief sustainability officer. “By establishing a living evergreen barrier along this busy roadway, made possible through support from former Assemblymember and current Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, our dedicated Facilities and Services team has delivered an improvement that benefits our students, patients, staff and the broader community every day.”

“I commend the Stony Brook University administration for its ongoing beautification efforts and commitment to being a good neighbor,” said Englebright. “The 215 Green Giant Arborvitae trees recently planted along Nicolls Road will provide natural beauty for drivers to enjoy for generations to come.”

“The addition of trees in our community is always very much appreciated by the Three Village Civic Association, and I think they really increase the natural scenery of the corridor,” said Charles Tramontana, president of the Three Village Civic Association.