Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota Grant 30 Trees to Georgia State University Through Tree Campus USA

Atlanta, Ga. (November 10, 2012) – Students and staff at Georgia State University planted trees from the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota this morning, in celebration of the campus commitment to caring for and maintaining its urban forest.

Georgia State University, a research university located in downtown Atlanta, is working toward Tree Campus USA recognition.

Today's volunteer effort is one of several tree planting events sponsored by the Foundation and Toyota during the fall of 2012 to give students and staff the opportunity to participate in hands-on conservation activities. The local non-profit Trees Atlanta co-hosted the event, which is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about conservation and the benefits of urban forestry on college campuses.

Today, 30 trees were planted near campus at the Bell Street Project, adjacent to the intersection of Decatur and Bell Streets.

"We're excited to share the spirit of stewardship with Georgia State University," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Through working together to plant trees and beautify the campus community, we help grow the next generation of conservation leaders."

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. Tree Campus USA is supported by a generous grant from Toyota.

During 2011, the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota helped campuses throughout the country plant 30,000 trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities have invested more than $22 million in campus forest management. More information about the Tree Campus USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org, or by visiting us on Facebook, Twitter or our blog.

About Toyota: Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs over 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $600 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.

For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.

About Trees Atlanta: Trees Atlanta is a nationally-recognized citizens' group dedicated to protecting and improving Atlanta's urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Since 1985, Trees Atlanta has planted and distributed more than 88,000 trees. Each year, 4,500 volunteers lend their time, talent, and expertise to Trees Atlanta. For more information about Trees Atlanta, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.treesatlanta.org.