University of Findlay Named “Tree Campus” for 7th Straight Year

University of Findlay is being recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a Tree Campus. The TreeCampus Higher Education recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation will be presented to the University on May 9, 2023 at the Northwest Ohio Tree City/Tree Campus Awards presentation in Wauseon, Ohio.

The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes the University of Findlay for its efforts to establish a campus tree advisory committee, implementing a tree care plan, dedicating annual expenditures to the care plan, observing Arbor Day, and creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.

“Planting a tree is quick, easy, and fun, but it also represents decades worth of monitoring and care,” said Benjamin Dolan, Ph.D. associate professor of biology and director of natural areas and plant collections. “There are a lot of people on campus that work hard to maintain and take care of those trees. Being a tree campus is a wonderful way to honor those people who make it all happen.”

Dolan echoed the Arbor Foundation when he highlighted the benefits of committing to being a Tree Campus. “Trees reduce erosion, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife,” he said. Dolan also utilizes the trees for educational purposes, and even provides an opportunity for students to complete research, learn more about tree care, and how to professionally climb trees.

On Thursday, April 20, the University of Findlay hosted a pre-Arbor Day celebration, inviting the public to campus for a tree planting and environmental awareness information session. UF planted a Kentucky Coffee tree, talked about the dangers of over-mulching, and provided a tour around campus, where community members had the chance to learn more about the trees on campus.

To schedule a visit to the University of Findlay, or to take a virtual tour, visit www.findlay.edu.