Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Program Engages 1.5 Million Higher Education Students

Students were involved in service projects like tree planting, tree maintenance

LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education program has now engaged more than 1.5 million students in hands-on service-learning projects focused on trees.

“Service is one of the core standards of the Tree Campus Higher Education program because we want students to have that firsthand experience with environmental work and see how impactful it can be for the broader community. More than 1.5 million students have now gotten that opportunity since we began and we are truly energized by this achievement,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “As our program continues to grow, we’re eager to see more higher education leaders make the bold commitment to make their campus better through trees.”

Tree Campus Higher Education was started in 2008 and recognizes colleges and universities dedicated to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and community engagement. More than 5 million higher education students are enrolled at more than 400 Tree Campuses across the country.

Service-learning projects are one of the program’s five core standards and can include tree plantings, tree maintenance and inventory, research, or another hands-on activity that engages students in tree-centric learning. When schools apply for their Tree Campus Higher Education recognition, they are required to describe the service-learning project organized and report how many students were involved.

Trees on campus can lower the energy cost of campus facilities by providing shade cover, reducing extreme heat, improving air quality and boosting physical health benefits for students and staff. In addition, trees improve students' mental and cognitive health, provide an appealing aesthetic for campuses, and create shaded areas for gathering and studying.

Click here for a full list of schools recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus Higher Education.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.