In December, the Texas campus of Northwood University was recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for earning the designation 2013 Tree Campus USA. 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.To obtain this distinction, the Texas campus met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects.
This recognition was made possible in large part by the collective effort of students, faculty and staff lead by Dr. Lynda Folts and the sustainability program students. The Texas campus becomes one of nearly 200 college and university campuses in the nation to receive this designation and one of only ten in the state of Texas.
Mike Anguiano, dean of students on the Texas campus, said, “Trees are a part of our campus identity. It’s one of the first elements of our campus that makes an impression and they have a lasting impact. This designation celebrates that aspect of our campus experience. We are pleased to receive recognition for our commitment to sustainability and our dedication to our trees.”
