About the Historial Campus Plants

The Historial Campus Plants Tour at Valdosta State Universit offers a unique way to explore the university's legacy through its botanical landmarks.  Each stop alon the tour highhighrs plants that have played a significant role in the campu's history, connecting present-day students and visistors with the generations who have walked these grounds before.  The tour is not just about appreciating flora; it's about preserving the memories, traditions, and values embedded within these natural icons.

Our journey begins with the 1914 Graduation Tree, a stately live oak that serves as a living reminder of the university's early days.  Planted by the first three graduates of South Georgia State Normal College, thistree has grown from a modest 2-foot sapling to a magnificent oak, offering shade and shelter to those passiing throught the campus entrance near the old trolley stop.  Its presence embodies over a century of history, bearing witness to countless student journeys and symbolizing the enduring legacy of those who laid the foundation for Valdosta State University.  

Scenic Route

The scenic route lets you explore some of the most recognizable plants around the VSU Campus.  Simply capture the QR-Code on each sign to see fun facts and photos about each stop.  See the numbered map below outlining all ??? stops on the scenic route. 

  • Stop 1: 1914 Graduation Tree
  • Stop 2: The Palm Avenue
  • Stop 3: VSU's Longleaf pines (updated 10/24, Hurricane Helene)
  • Stop 4: Herbarium
  • Stop 5: Camellia Trail
  • Stop 6: Tree Campus USA
  • Stop 7: Pinetum (updated October 2024)
  • Stop 8: Drexel's Azaleas

Fitness Route

Throw on your running shoes and let’s get moving!  This path follows the sidewalk trail that traverses main campus. The digital map below shows where the route begins and ends in red. There are quarter-mile markers along the path so you know how far you’ve gone.  Follow this route as many times as desired to reach your personal fitness goals. One trip around the VSU Fitness Route will be 1.35 miles in total.

Mile 0 - Trolley Stop

Mile 0.25 - before reaching the exit from the Fine Arts parking lot

Mile 0.5 - after reaching the Student Union

Mile 0.75 - after passing the parking lot by the Whitehead Camellia Trail

Mile 1 - before reaching Powell Hall on your right

Mile 1.25 - after passing the West Hall fountain entrance way

Mile 1.35 - Completion by reaching the Trolley Stop

Digital Map Main Campus

North Campus Walking Trail

This 0.45 mile trail is available for our community to enjoy thanks to the efforts of a University System of Georgia Well-Being initiative in collaboration with The VSU Center for Exercise Medicine and Rehabilitation and Blazer Wellness. A healthy activity target is to walk for 150 minutes per week. Walking one lap will add 10 minutes towards this weekly target. Found along North Campus will be 14 poll signs directing the walk path for individuals walking around the Thaxton, Pound and the Health Sciences and Business Administration buildings. 

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