Kent State University has been recognized by Tree Campus
USA for the fourth consecutive year for its dedication to urban
forestry and green efforts.

Kent State University has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA university for the fourth consecutive year.

Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and the leaders of the campus and surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. During the first year of the program, Kent State was one of 29 schools to receive the initial designation.

Tree Campus USA recognized Kent State for its dedication to urban forestry and “go-green” efforts.

“Kent State is committed to the environment and maintaining canopy cover on campus,” says Heather White, manager of grounds, University Facilities Management at Kent State.

Kent State met the required five core standards of tree care and community engagement in order to receive Tree Campus USA status. Those standards are establishing a campus tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, verification of dedicated annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan, involvement in an Arbor Day observance, and the institution of a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.

Kent State planted 132 trees last year. Trees planted included replacement trees for those that died, trees planted under the planting partnership program, and trees planted into construction projects.
White says the university plans to remain committed to a proactive maintenance program and secure the award again next year.

To celebrate Arbor Day, the residence hall winner of an eight-week recycling competition, RecycleMania, will host an event on April 25 at 1:30 p.m.

The Arbor Day Foundation launched Tree Campus USA in the fall of 2008 by planting trees at nine college campuses throughout the United States, and now Tree Campus USA has planted more than 2,100 trees at 28 different colleges and universities throughout the country.

For more information about Kent State’s University Facilities Management, visit www.kent.edu/ufm or call 330-672-2345. For more information about The Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.