University Receives 2019 Tree Campus USA Recognition

The University of Findlay was honored with the 2019 Tree Campus USA recognition for the fourth consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. The University of Findlay achieved the title by meeting the program’s five standards, which include maintaining 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 project. Currently there are 385 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

Ben Dolan, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology who organizes campus Arbor Day events and other University forestry efforts, said “Earning the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA designation is a feather in our cap, recognizing the good work accomplished by our Campus Tree Advisory Board, our grounds crew, and everyone who volunteers to support tree care at UF.” Dolan says their focus is shifting from only planting new trees to caring for the trees the campus has, pruning and removing those that need it, and planning for future needs.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA institutions invested more than $51 million in campus forest management last year, the organization said.

University of Findlay’s Arbor Day celebration is slated for Friday, April 24. Campus Tree Advisory Board and the Green Campus Club will co-host the events. Additional information coming soon.