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Trees in Communities
Tree Campus Healthcare
The health benefits of trees are undeniable, which is why we’re proud to partner with forward-looking healthcare facilities and recognize those that promote tree planting, education, and engagement.
Breathing easier
Wellness comes in many forms. But at any healthcare facility, a commitment to tree planting and maintenance can impact the health of the entire community.
People who live in communities with more trees are more physically active, more mentally well, and more protected from the effects of climate change. The Tree Campus program provides healthcare facilities with a clear framework to create a healthier campus and community through urban forestry, helping providers create an environment of total wellness.
How it works
The Tree Campus Journey
To earn your first year of Tree Campus recognition, you'll build and implement your plan to meet the five program standards throughout the year, submit your application in the fall or winter, and celebrate your accomplishments in the spring. To see if you're ready to start, take our Readiness Quiz. Creating your account now so you can start documenting progress will make the process easier when it's time to apply.
Become a Tree Campus
Prepare
Take the Readiness Quiz
This quick quiz is a great first step for your organization. It takes just a few minutes to find out how ready your facility and staff are to become a Tree Campus, and you’ll get a preview of what areas your program will need to focus on.
Put Your Team Together
Trees are a team effort. Start by establishing a Tree Campus Advisory Committee, including interested staff members, volunteers, community advocates, and any facility managers already in place. Bring together a diverse team to help bring your program to life.
Set a Vision
Plot out a future for your facility that includes a dedicated plan for creating, maintaining, and growing green spaces on your campus. A Facility Tree Care Plan includes standards, best practices, goals, and more for your Tree Campus, and is critical in communicating your vision to your staff and broader community.
Your plan should also account for funding projects, education events and more. We recommend – but don’t require – an annual expenditure of $2 per employee.
Get into the Community
Demonstrate your position as a wellness leader with a Community Forestry Project. As part of becoming a Tree Campus, your organization will lead at least one community forestry project, such as a tree planting or tree maintenance event. Projects like these bring credibility to your mission and connection to your community. Don’t forget to take photos of the event for your application!
Celebrate the Power of Trees
Bring your healthcare community together to celebrate trees and their positive, holistic impact. Whether you celebrating on Arbor Day or at some other time, or by supporting existing celebrations or creating your own, these events are a great opportunity for your campus to be a community leader in the connections between nature and health.
Send in Your Application
Tree Campus Healthcare applications can be submitted in the late fall, but you can upload documentation of activities and events throughout the year. Once everything is included in your application, click submit, and we’ll be in touch. If you’re recognized, you can start promoting your accomplishments to your community leading into the next year.
Enjoy Today, Plan for Tomorrow
We’ll inform you as soon as we’ve reviewed your application materials. From there, it’s time to celebrate with your team and look ahead to next year. Take time to appreciate all the work your team has done. Think through what went well and where you'd like to grow for next year's application.
Why become a Tree Campus
Growing a healthier environment
Becoming a Tree Campus provides a healthier environment for your patients and staff, and a stronger reputation for your facility.
A real commitment
As a wellness leader, you’re dedicated to a healthier community. Trees help you fulfill your mission by removing air pollution, promoting exercise, reducing anxiety, and cooling urban spaces.
Get recognized
Signage and other physical and digital recognition materials are symbols of your commitment to the community, and to the future of tree stewardship. That recognition helps your facility stand out as a leader.
Get connected
As a Tree Campus, you’ll join a network of other facilities and institutions committed to a healthier future, so you can share ideas and opportunities.
Stay informed
Get news and updates about recognition programs, plus new ideas for your organization.
The Campus Connection
In addition to healthcare facilities, the Tree Campus program is also active in all 50 states on college campuses and in K-12 schools. Here’s the nationwide network of campuses you’ll be joining:
Healthcare facilities in many states are making massive strides in making their grounds more tree-friendly. Here’s what our partners have done in the last year:
50
Recognized facilities
2,047
Trees planted
17
States with a recognized institution
Why Facilities Love Tree Campus
Your Resources to Get Ready
We’re here to help! Here are a few things you can do to start getting ready to become a Tree Campus.
Create an account
Simplify your application process by opening an account and updating it as you go.
Tree Care Plan Template
Get started with a free template for laying out your Tree Care plan.
Apply today
Ready to Start?
When you create an account, you take an important step towards becoming a Tree Campus – even if you’re not ready to apply yet. Get the resources you need to get ready and start your plan.
Tree Campus Healthcare is an Arbor Day Foundation program in cooperation with our exclusive professional partner, The Davey Tree Expert Company, and alongside our partners at the Professional Grounds Management Society, Practice Greenhealth, and the USDA Forest Service.
Exclusive Professional Partner
Collaborators
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Stay Informed
Our Community Forestry Connection newsletter keeps you up to date on programs, best practices, and opportunities for conservation leadership.
