Earlier this year, the University of Rochester campus was selected to join the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program. Less than 100 schools nationwide have been awarded this title and the University became the sixth member from New York, joining Cornell University, Bard College, Jamestown Community College, St. Bonaventure University, and Cazenovia College.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to planting trees and impacting the world through education and conservation. The foundation established its Tree Campus USA program in 2008 with an inaugural class of 29 schools. The program recognizes university campuses that successfully manage their trees, develop ties with the community outside of the campus borders, and work hard to engage the student population through learning opportunities and forestry efforts. Since its inception, Tree Campus USA has planted 13,668 trees and invested 15 million dollars in campus forest management.

Dan Schied, manager of horticulture and grounds at the University of Rochester, also was recently the 132nd grounds management professional to become a Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) through the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). Schied, a resident of Penfield, N.Y., has worked at the University for more than 17 years and has been a member of PGMS since 2006.

"When I looked at the body of work required to apply and then complete the certification process, it was a testament to the professionalism of our industry," said Schied. "After finishing the exam and manual components, it is a true honor to be included with the other 131 professionals who became certified before me."

Those achieving the CGM professional designation must accomplish a set level of education and on-the-job experience and then successfully complete a two-part examination process administered by PGMS. After completing the exam, Schied reflected on the program. "It was a demanding process, but it allows you the opportunity to identify the many varied aspects of your job and put them together in a single resource." he said.

For more information about the University's Horticulture and Ground Services, visit http://www.facilities.rochester.edu/so/grounds.html.