US university receives special tree

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Coleman University now has the only tree in the United States to be featured on a world map of trees planted by the 80edays Elduro 2016 Project's Worldwide Electric Vehicle Rally.

Landscaper Wayne Ervin has been in charge of Coleman University's greenery for over 20 years. He and his assistant Mede Ocampo prepared the tree site, added irrigation and planted the tree for the dedication ceremony. The Coleman University tree is a patented hybrid from Monrovia Nurseries called Podocarpus "Ice Blue." The dedication ceremony was July 22. The tree and plaque are located at the front northwest corner of Coleman University, 8888 Balboa Avenue in San Diego.

80edays is an endurance test for Electric Vehicle technology and drivers. 20 international teams rally for supremacy across 20,000 miles, 20 countries, and 3 continents trying to finish in Barcelona in 80 days without burning a drop of gas. The teams share their EV experiences, sending a strong message that sustainable technology is the future. A significant part of this event is planting a tree in each of the 20 countries around the world. Coleman University has been chosen as the location of the only tree in the United States. The next closest tree is in Halifax Nova Scotia. Each tree has a commemorative plaque. A QR code on the plaque links to the Coleman University tree on the 80edays world map of trees planted. People can locate the trees on the map and scan the QR code to post photos of their visits to show their support of sustainable technology.

"When Jules Verne published Around the World in Eighty Days in 1873, the world was fascinated by the technological innovations of the late 19th century. For the first time, it was possible to travel around the globe in relative ease and safety by rail and steamship," said Coleman University President & CEO Norbert Kubilus. "80edays is today's test of technology and endurance -- a test of electric vehicles and their drivers. Coleman University is proud to host this tree and plaque that serve as navigation point for 80edays and a symbol of preserving planet earth for our children and generations to come.”

Coleman University was selected as the site by members ENVI (Electric Networked Vehicle Institute) which is hosted by Coleman University. ENVI Founder and Executive Director Dr. Jim Burns said "San Diego's own Electric and Networked Vehicle Institute is proud of its role as catalyst in connecting the people and institutions of the region to emerging visionary ideas like 80eDays that promote awareness and innovation in clean and efficient transportation systems."