Missouri State University received the 2016 Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, 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.”
Earning recognition
Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation. It honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
Missouri State achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project. Currently, there are 296 campuses across the United States with this recognition.
“Being a Tree Campus USA recognizes our commitment to the community and environment,” said John Clark, assistant director of facilities management, grounds services. “Trees give us settings to gather and relax while reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and energy costs. Grounds services also maintains a tree inventory at MyTreeKeeper.com that lists the benefits Missouri State trees contribute to the environment.”
The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $46.7 million in campus forest management last year. For more information on the program, visit the Arbor Day website.
For more information, contact Clark at 417-836-5963.