Dartmouth's wealth of trees provides a sequence of color, texture and shape throughout the seasons. They delineate and preserve precious open space. Unusual species from many parts of the world contribute scientific interest to the academic setting. The presence of trees native to northern New England helps blend the beauty of the College with the character of its surrounding environment.

This book, celebrating those trees, details species included in the Campus Tree Inventory for Dartmouth College which was completed in 1999 by Saucier & Flynn, Ltd., Landscape Architects, and the College's Department of Facilities Operation and Management. Even here, far north in the Upper Valley of the Connecticut River, the inventory identifies more than 75 species of trees. Parts of the campus were not inventoried. In those areas, including the Hanover Country Club and around Occom Pond, College Park (which includes Barnett Tower, Shattuck Observatory and the Bema), and the old cemetery on the west side of campus (the property of the Town of Hanover), additional species such as Aspen, Cottonwood, Gary Birch and American Sycamore can be found. These species are not included in Forever Green.

No inventory of trees can be kept constantly up to date. New trees are planted each spring and fall, and established trees succumb and must be removed. Every attempt has been made to include all inventoried species of trees represented on the Dartmouth College campus at the turn of a new century.