Munn Pinetum

One of MSU's oldest managed forestry sites, a green space and living experiment started by Professor Beal, this woodland on campus is one of a kind. The grove of red pines at this location sits on a 16,000-year old dune. Perhaps one of the most visited wooded areas on campus, the Munn Pinetum is located between the Munn Ice Arena and Demonstration Hall.

Originally part of Woodbury Farm, acquired by Michigan Agricultural College in 1913, the sand ridge was tested and found to be a post-glacial formation, undisturbed, allowing it to be dated between 12,400 and 16,000 years old. Home to a patch of the university that contains prehistoric geology, the conifer plantation preserves one of the southernmost glacial-era landforms ever found in Michigan. Due to severe wind erosion and drifting sand, and in an effort to expand his experimental grounds, Professor Beal decided to plant these trees to study how well the species would stabilize the dune.

Today, the land is still preserved from disturbances and is a landmark on campus, offering a splendid view of the tree stand. Every day, students are seen practicing music, resting, and studying under the pines' shadows. As you walk through the university, or attending sporting event at Spartan Stadium or Munn Ice Arena, make sure to take a moment to explore this living piece of history.