UA Honored by Arbor Day Foundation with Tree Campus USA Recognition

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama was recently honored with 2015 Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for engaging staff and students in conservation goals through campus forestry efforts.

UA achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards: a tree advisory committee, a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service learning projects.

UA’s urban forest is comprised of more than 10,000 trees, many more than a century old, which represent the University’s long-standing commitment to creating and maintaining a sustainable environment for the future of its students and the Tuscaloosa community.

“We recognize that the urban tree forest and magnificent canopy of both young and old trees is our hallmark and one of our most cherished natural resources and sustainable assets,” said Donna McCray, UA director of grounds use permits and facilities operations.

“The University of Alabama leadership feels that the trees planted and cared for today will provide shade and beauty for generations to come,” McCray said. “We are dedicated to the constant care of this great resource, and we hope that all who visit The University of Alabama campus will enjoy the beauty of the trees.”

To commemorate the honor, UA was presented with a plaque that will be displayed in the Rose Administration Building foyer and a Tree Campus USA flag that is flying on the Quad.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $36.8 million in campus forest management last year. More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.