Healing with Trees: Aspirus Health Sets Green Standard for Hospitals

One of the largest rural health care systems in the Midwest is turning to the Arbor Day Foundation — and the power of trees — to help redefine what it means to care for its patients.

Aspirus Health has become the first U.S. health system to earn 100% Tree Campus Healthcare recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, with all 18 of its hospitals across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota meeting the program’s rigorous standards.

What began with one campus’s designation just last year quickly evolved into a system-wide movement. The driving force? A deeply held belief that trees and green spaces aren’t just nice to have — they’re critical to patient healing and community wellbeing.

“We believe planting and caring for trees is the right thing to do and aligns with our mission of healing people, promoting health and strengthening communities,” said Jimmy Parilek, Senior Project Manager of Facilities Management and Sustainability.

The link between nature and health is well documented — and at Aspirus, it’s a foundational part of care. 

“Trees and green spaces are proven to improve health outcomes and reduce stress for both patients and caretakers,” Parilek said. “They also provide profound layers of good for the greater community, including combating extreme heat, improving air quality, and reducing flooding impacts.” 

With site-specific tree care plans in place, Aspirus ensures these benefits are built to last. Each campus now integrates nature into daily life — from quiet outdoor spaces for visitors and patients to restorative green areas for staff. 

“We know the importance our trees and green spaces play in providing our employees with a place to enjoy, walk, and take a break in nature during their workday,” Parilek said. “Our green spaces also provide areas for visitors to enjoy and promote healing to our patients.” 

The approach is both people-centered and planet-forward: healthy trees, healthy campuses, healthier communities.  

The success of this initiative was powered from the ground up. Facilities teams across all 18 hospitals led the charge, while the Aspirus Sustainability Council helped shape a shared vision. 

Staff were invited to take part in Earth Month and Arbor Day events, engaging more than 14,000 team members across the system. This year’s programming included Earth Day BINGO, a tree giveaway, virtual Lunch & Learns, and personal storytelling about sustainable habits. 

“This wasn’t just a facilities win — it was a shared commitment across departments, campuses, and communities,” Parilek said. 

Aspirus’s achievement offers a blueprint for other health systems seeking to create greener, more resilient campuses. 

“The Tree Campus program gives you a roadmap to create healthier, greener campuses,” said Parilek. “There are resources to help you succeed — and the impact is worth it.”