The University is a Tree Campus USA for the fourth year in a row, the Arbor Day Foundation has announced. Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 to honor colleges and universities that have a commitment to effective urban forest management and that engage staff and students in conservation goals.
The University's Horticulture and Grounds Department achieved the Tree Campus USA title by again meeting the program's five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures toward trees, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning projects.
"It is truly a team effort to maintain the Tree Campus USA designation. Without the support of administration and the efforts of staff, contractors, consultants and students, we would not be able to meet the criteria necessary for this prestigious recognition," said Dan Schied, manager of Horticulture and Grounds.
Schied notes that on River Campus there are more than 1,400 trees of 116 different species within the mowed areas. To view a River Campus Tree Tour video, as well as additional resources on the University's arboretum, visit: http://www.facilities.rochester.edu/arboretum/.
"Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "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 and Tree Campus USA sponsor Toyota have helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees. Participating colleges and universities invested more than $26 million in campus forest management last year.