Arbor Day Foundation Announces Inaugural Class of Tree Campus K-12 Schools

70 schools across 31 states recognized for their commitment to nature-based curriculum

LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seventy elementary, middle and high schools across the United States earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for their commitment to nature-based curriculum.

The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to tree planting. Its Tree Campus K-12 program, launched last year, encourages educators to create meaningful opportunities for students to interact with trees.

“Spending time in nature sparks children’s imaginations, improves their mental and physical health, and shapes them into lifelong environmental stewards,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We are thrilled to see so many schools lead the way in this important work.”

To earn recognition, schools must meet four goals:

• Maintain a Tree Campus team that is dedicated to achieving recognition
• Create an education plan that connects students to trees and their global benefits
• Offer a hands-on experience that engages students in trees and the community
• Hold an Arbor Day observance to celebrate trees within the school or the community

The recognized schools span 31 states. In the first year of the program, more than 15,000 students participated in an Arbor Day celebration, and nearly 30,000 trees were planted.

Other Arbor Day Foundation recognition programs include Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, and Tree Campus Healthcare. Working together, the four programs celebrate tree planting efforts at nearly every community level.

Schools interested in earning recognition can begin the process of meeting the program requirements this fall. Applications will close at the end of the academic year in 2023.

To learn more and see the full list of recognized schools, visit arborday.org/K12.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.

As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.