A Kent State University student walks to class in front of
Kent Hall on a snowy morning. Kent State recently earned
the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA designation
for the seventh straight year.

Kent State University earned the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA recognition for its commitment to effective urban forest management for the seventh consecutive year.

Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

“Every year, we aim for the continued recognition of Tree Campus USA,” says Heather White, grounds manager for University Facilities Management at Kent State.

To obtain this distinction, Kent State had to meet five core standards required by Tree Campus USA for sustainable campus forestry: Establishment of a tree advisory committee, implementation of a campus tree-care plan, dedication of annual expenditures for a campus tree program, observation of Arbor Day and the sponsorship of student service learning projects.

By annually meeting these requirements, the Kent Campus not only benefits the environment but also instills pride in students, faculty and the community.

“The grounds department spends a lot of time maintaining the trees and canopy cover on campus,” says White. “It is a terrific honor and achievement to once again be recognized.”

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Last year, Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $29 million in campus forest management.

For more information about Tree Campus USA, visit www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa.

For more information about University Facilities Management at Kent State, visit www.kent.edu/ufm.