Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Missouri State University with the Tree Campus USA award for its dedication toward creating a nature friendly college experience for everyone on campus.

This is the eighth consecutive year MSU has received this recognition.

While MSU was recognized for planting an abundance of trees for the improvement of the environment, there are many other benefits beyond the environmental aspect. This includes reducing the amount of energy the campus needs to generate, mitigating the effects of climate change and providing a calm and beautiful space for students, staff and faculty to exist.

Award details

There are five standards set by Tree Campus USA to receive this recognition:

• Establishment of a campus tree advisory committee.
• Evidence of a campus tree care plan.
• Verification of the plan’s dedicated annual expenditures.
• Observing Arbor Day.
• Creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.

The Tree Campus USA project began in 2008 to recognize universities and their leaders for being environmentally aware.

Jeff Chambers, assistant director of facilities management – grounds services at MSU, said the “Tree Campus USA recognition symbolizes the commitment of the grounds department to provide a healthy urban forest setting and engage the campus community in urban forestry activities.”