Magnolia Trees always signal the start of spring at San Joaquin Delta College. Staff and students eagerly await the spring blooms of the Magnolia tree located between the Horton Administration Building and Locke Center… a beautiful spring treat. As spring progresses, Delta’s eclectic mix of trees and flora awake, solidifying the college’s reputation as one of the most striking campuses in the California Community Colleges system.
This diverse mix of plants is not by chance. When construction of the Stockton campus got under way in 1971, every effort was made to preserve the trees and landscaping of the old State Hospital Farm site, including transplanting of mature trees.
Former Superintendent/President Lawrence DeRicco showed a special interest in obtaining a variety of trees for the campus during its formative years in the 70’s. Mr. DeRicco and wife Alma were known to go on field trips to obtain special varieties.
Not to be forgotten is former botany instructor Steve Stocking. Under Mr. Stocking’s leadership in the 70’s, important plant specimens were placed throughout the campus. His goal: Provide a living laboratory for on-campus field trips. Today, horticulture instructor Mike Toscano continues this grand tradition at Delta College with the Demonstration Garden and numerous campus projects.
The spring sun peeks at the Magnolia Tree located between the Horton Administration Building and Locke Center.
Blossoms frame a lone umbrella in Delta's quad during a spring rain.
Old State Hospital Farm Site, Circa 1970
Delta College chose to maintain as much of the original site landscaping as possible when the college was built in the early 70's, thus many original site trees still exist today.
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