John Boyle Ruiz, SIS/BA ’22, CAS/MS ’25, speaks for the trees. 

Since joining Facilities Management in June 2023 as a member of AU’s groundskeeping team, which keeps the 84-acre campus pruned and picturesque, Boyle Ruiz has bloomed where he’s planted. The budding arborist, who is working toward his certification through the International Society of Arboriculture, launched the Tree Thursdays series on Instagram to share his enthusiasm for evergreens and elms with the AU community. 

“I believe the climate crisis is the pressing issue of our time. Tree Thursdays is a way to spread my cheer and passion for trees,” says Boyle Ruiz, a former Community-Based Research Scholar who is pursuing a master’s in data science with a specialization in environmental science. 

Each week, the series showcases one of the nearly 6,000 trees representing 500 species that dot the AU Arboretum and Gardens, which last year marked its 20th anniversary. Every post kicks off with a woody witticism (Why do trees get into fights? Because they’re always throwing shade.) and includes the species’ Latin name and a list of fun facts, bulleted with tree emojis.

The idea for Tree Thursdays took root when Boyle Ruiz, a month into his new job, began snapping photos of his lush, green office and sending them to his mom and abuela in the Boston area. “I thought, ‘Our campus is so beautiful, why don’t we publicize it more?’”

Boyle Ruiz has done just that, with his posts regularly garnering dozens of likes.

“I just want people to understand how important trees are to our environment. They [absorb] carbon dioxide and release oxygen; create habitats; increase biodiversity, especially for pollinators; filter water; stabilize soil; and prevent erosion,” Boyle Ruiz says. “They’re simply amazing.”

Before you leaf, check out Boyle Ruiz’s 10 favorite native trees on campus:

• Witch hazel This tree’s aromatic, yellow stringy flowers—pollinated by moths—provide a nice pop of color when they bloom in the wintertime
• Sweetbay magnolia I could make a list just of my favorite magnolia trees. This species is a semi-evergreen, which is unusual; that means sometimes it keeps its leaves and sometimes it loses them depending on the region. It’s a smaller tree, great for the city. 
• Southern magnolia This tree is an eye-catcher famous for its big, waxy leaves and fragrant flowers with six white petals. I think it’s the most beautiful magnolia—but don’t tell the sweetbay.
• American holly With its spiny, deer-resistant leaves and vibrant red berries—toxic to people, but not birds—this is a stunner whenever it snows on campus. 
• Sweet gum A favorite among birds and squirrels, this species is very vertical and resistant to pollution from cars—perfect for urban forestry.
• Scarlet oak The official tree of DC, known for its brilliant autumn colors, is also the oldest and largest species on campus, first photographed in 1893 on what is now the quad.
• River birch This might be my favorite native tree. I love its papery bark, forked trunk, and broad crown.
• American sycamore This is one of several heritage trees—those with a circumference of at least 100 inches—on campus. Heritage trees, which can’t be removed under DC law, are incredible carbon sinks, essential for sustaining the District’s healthy forest canopy. 

1. Red oak A popular species on the quad, this noble giant can grow up to 75 feet and live up to 300 years. With its big shade and acorns, it’s a favorite among people and deer alike. 
2. Pawpaw Native Americans have cultivated the pawpaw for centuries, enjoying its sweet fruit—known as the “prairie banana”—and utilizing its medicinal properties.