For the sixth year in a row, Auburn University has earned its Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation; Auburn has received this honor from 2009 through 2014 by promoting tree health and sustainability values to Auburn staff, students and community.
Gary Keever, professor of horticulture and facilities management landscape consultant, said, "Auburn University's recognition as a Tree Campus USA since 2009 is a reflection of the university's commitment to the health and long-term preservation of our trees."
Auburn may apply for this designation for 2015 again in December.
In order to earn this designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, annual budgets must be presented with the application for Tree Campus USA; It’s also required to include proof of tree related projects that help educate the campus and community on having and preserving trees.
Auburn’s 601 acres of land are home to over 8,000 trees. In 2014 alone, 179 new trees were planted, according to Mallory Ferguson.
“Trees can add value to your home, help cool your home and neighborhood, break the cold winds to lower your heating costs and provide food for wildlife," said the Arbor Day Foundation on the benefits of trees in a community.
Earth Share said some other benefits from trees are clean air and water and flood control, and they slow down the process of dangerous climate-changing fossil fuels entering our atmosphere.
To be eligible for Tree Campus USA, five standards must be met.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, these standards are, “Tree Advisory Committee, Campus Tree-Care Committee, Campus Tree Program with Dedicated Annual Expenditures, Arbor Day Observance and Service-Learning Project."
The Tree Advisory Committee must represent “the diverse audience of those with a stake in campus trees," said the Arbor Day Foundation.
This “diverse audience” includes students, faculty, facility management and the Auburn community.
The Campus Tree-Care Committee must have certain components: the committee must have a clear purpose and goals established, as well as several resources.
These resources include authorities to enforce the campus tree care plan, protection and presentation policies, tree damage assessments and communication strategies.
By upholding all of these standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation, Auburn has promoted sustainability and the use of natural resources to benefit and beautify the campus.
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