Michael Mercier | UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has once again been recognized as a Tree Campus USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. The university first received the designation in 2013 and has continued to receive it each year thereafter.
"The university’s commitment to Tree Campus USA is significant. Not only do urban forests benefit the health of the environment, but they also benefit our social and emotional health as well," says Taylor Myers, the sustainability coordinator at UAH. "The grounds crew here at UAH has worked really hard to create a large and diverse tree canopy for all on campus to enjoy. Their hard work and the support from the administration and the campus community is what makes this designation possible."
Launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, Tree Campus USA is a national program that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. To obtain certification, campuses must meet five main criteria:
- Maintain a tree advisory committee
- Adhere to a campus tree-care plan
- Dedicate annual expenditures for its campus tree program
- Observe Arbor Day
- Sponsor a student service-learning project
Currently there are 296 campuses across the U.S. that have received this recognition.
"Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment," says 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."
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.