Illinois State University has once again earned the designation as a Tree Campus USA. The University first began receiving this honor in 2008.
Tree Campus USA is a national program that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy management of their campus forests, and for engaging the community in environmental stewardship. Tree Campus USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation and is supported by a grant from Toyota North America.
“This national recognition validates the efficient and effective work accomplished by our grounds employees and is an additional point of pride we can all share,” said Illinois State Executive Director of Facilities Management, Parking, and Transportation Chuck Scott. “Under the guidance of President Dietz, we are proud to represent ISU and join in the elite campuses across this nation that are recognized for their tree care, environmental stewardship, and community outreach.”
In order to obtain this honor, Illinois State met the five core standards for effective campus forest management: Establish a campus tree advisory committee, offer evidence of a campus tree-care plan, give verification of dedicated annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan, provide involvement in an Arbor Day observance, and institute a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.
Illinois State has received the honor seven times in the last eight years.
Matt Harris of the Arbor Day Foundation said, “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”
The Arbor Day Foundation launched Tree Campus USA in the fall of 2008 by planting trees at nine college campuses throughout the United States.
More information about the Tree Campus USA program is available at ArborDay.org.
