Historic Tappan Oak sapling planted to mark Earth Day at U-M
A Living Legacy: ChE 2016 alum Chayce Griffith and the Tappan Oak Sapling’s New Chapter at U-M
Written by Taylor Shaffer, Facilities & Operations
On Earth Day, April 22, a sapling grown from the historic Tappan Oak was planted near the Alumni Association’s Alumni Center on Central Campus.
The planting carries forward the legacy of the original tree, which stood near the Hatcher Graduate Library for more than 300 years until its removal in 2021 when the trunk was discovered to have decayed.
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The original location of the Tappan Oak was compromised due to a persistent soil fungus, preventing the sapling from being planted there. After thorough consideration, the U-M Custodial & Grounds team, including Rob Doletzky, landscape and grounds manager, and Mike Rutkofske, campus forester, selected a strategic new site and ideal planting time frame to promote the sapling’s health and longevity.
“Earth Day made sense for a number of reasons,” Rutkofske said. “It’s a meaningful day for the university’s sustainability efforts, and from a horticultural perspective, spring is the ideal time to plant oak trees. There’s a short window where conditions are just right for establishing strong root growth.”
The sapling’s story began more than a decade ago, when Chayce Griffith, a 2016 College of Engineering graduate, picked up a few acorns from the original tree during his sophomore year.
He initially gathered the acorns — unaware of the tree’s full historical significance — because he was captivated by the beauty of the oaks on the Diag.
Feeling a sentimental connection to the trees amid a rigorous academic schedule, Griffith, who is now pursuing a doctorate in horticulture at Michigan State University, hoped to cultivate his own piece of that history.
“I used to pass by the Tappan Oak regularly,” Griffith said. “It was inspiring and I thought it would be amazing to grow one, maybe even have these oaks surround my parents’ house.”
After researching how to grow oaks, Griffith kept the acorns in foam cups in his parents’ garage in Saline to simulate winter dormancy before planting them. To his surprise, many sprouted, though their ranks were gradually thinned by mishaps with the lawnmower. Two resilient saplings survived thanks to their inconspicuous spots at the yard’s edge.
The tree, now donated and planted on campus, is approximately 11 years old, and stands at around 6 feet tall.
“I think about that quote, ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit,’” Griffith said. “I didn’t feel like I made a big mark during my U-M years, but leaving a living legacy like this is so meaningful.”
Griffith’s inspiration to donate the sapling to U-M was sparked by news of the Tappan Oak’s removal in 2021. Saddened by the loss, he recognized the significance his acorns held. Reaching out through a university tree catalog, he eventually connected with those coordinating campus grounds, including Rutkofske, who embraced the opportunity.
“We wouldn’t be here today without Chayce’s horticultural curiosity,” Rutkofske said. “I still remember the moment I picked up the phone at my desk and spoke with Chayce for the first time. And now, here we are, planting this tree together.”
The planting ceremony April 22 was attended by approximately 30 people, including staff from the Office of Campus Sustainability, Facilities & Operations, and Griffith’s family: wife Claire, son Willis, and parents Greg and Tina Griffith.
“This sapling planting from the historic Tappan Oak honors its legacy and symbolizes our commitment to sustainability,” said Kim Kiernan, co-interim associate vice president for facilities and operations. “Thank you to Chayce and the Griffith family for nurturing its future.”
The planting supports the university’s Resilient Grounds initiative — part of U-M’s broader sustainability goals — which focuses on adaptive landscaping practices, long-term soil health, and the use of native and diverse species.
The Tappan Oak sapling now stands as a reminder of the university’s past and its commitment to future generations. Updates and photos will be shared as the tree takes root in its new home.
“Honestly, it’s exciting to have a piece of me on campus,” Griffith said. “Having the sapling here feels like my own contribution to its history, and it’s special to know my son, who just turned 1 the day before the planting, will one day see it as part of our family legacy.”