Following Sonoma State University’s decision to allow students back on campus for in-person classes, the school offered a different look for the returning Seawolves and the new freshmen. Starting at the end of August of 2020, workers began the removal of over 200 of SSU’s eucalyptus trees that bordered its campus. Not only that, but SSU students also returned to on-campus classes to find that construction has already begun on Stevenson Hall for a renovation project that would modernize the largest academic building on campus. 

With their transition from virtual class to on-campus class, returning students were surprised to see the removal of many of the enormous trees that bordered East Cotati Avenue and Petaluma Hill Road. 

Starting in the middle of last year, Sonoma State announced its decision to cut down the trees in order to reduce the fire danger for the campus and its neighboring communities following Northern California’s wildfire problems. According to officials, the stringy bark that the large eucalyptus trees produced is extremely flammable and susceptible to spot fires. 

The trees were planted in 1970, just four years after SSU opened its doors to the public. With these trees containing highly-flammable leaf litter and  government agencies viewing the plants as a threat to the state, SSU decided to get rid of them. 

However, this decision caused some controversy, as many students believe the trees added “character” to campus.

“I liked the trees because they added to the scenery and made the campus look a lot better”, said first-year student Hayden. “The way they bordered the parking lots made it feel safer, more secluded, and prettier.” 

When asked about where he stood in the argument of them cutting down the trees, the first-year student answered, “I think they shouldn’t be cutting down the trees, but because of the fire risk, I guess I can understand them cutting down the trees or hiring someone to clear out the brush underneath.” 

Not only have the missing trees caught the attention of students, but so has the in-progress construction on Stevenson Hall. The renovation of this building serves to increase classroom size, improve and modernize classroom functionality, as well as relocate the administrative offices to Salazar Hall, to make Stevenson an all-academic building. 

While the renovations have many students excited and eager to see the results, some also expressed their concerns. 

“The construction is a little bit annoying because I have a class at the International Hall, which is right next to it, and it can get a little bit frustrating with the loud noises,” said Kyla, a first-year. “But I hope it is going to be really cool in the future.” 

If everything goes according to plan, Stevenson Hall is set to finish its renovation by the Spring semester of 2023, with many Seawolves feeling excited to be able to fully enjoy campus again.