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Trees in Communities
Tree Campus Higher Education
Healthy, vibrant trees are a hallmark of a beautiful college campus. The Tree Campus program gives higher education leaders a framework and support to create and sustain that environment on their campuses.
Cleaner, greener campuses
On a sprawling campus, trees connect buildings, cool walkways, and form the basis for a grounded college experience. Beyond beauty, trees make campuses more healthy and resilient places to live and learn.
Tree Campus Higher Education is a trusted, sustainable forestry program that’s tailored for colleges and universities. With a clear, simple framework, education leaders can craft a program that makes their campus healthier and happier. And with Tree Campus recognition, your school will be seen as a leader and a positive force in your community.
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
Class is in Session
Your first step is to go back to school with our readiness quiz. This quick exercise will help you see where you’re already making progress and where you might need to focus your future program’s efforts.
Your Trees Need a Team
A big initiative requires the right team. In addition to any campus forestry staff you may have in place, a Tree Campus Advisory Committee composed of students, staff and faculty will ensure you have diverse viewpoints and plenty of support.
Lay the Groundwork
Establish a thoughtful Tree Campus Care Plan for your students, staff, community, and contractors. A good plan sets clear goals, policies, and plans for tree care – ensuring your entire campus community is engaged and involved in the work of campus forestry.
It’s also required that your plan is accompanied by dedicated expenditures. It’s suggested, but not mandatory, that $3 per full-time enrolled student is allocated to the plan.
Working Together
Sometimes the best way to learn is by getting down in the dirt. A Service Learning Project that engages your student body gives your campus a meaningful way to make an impact they can see and feel. Don't forget to document your project with photos or video for your application.
Create a Campus Arbor Day Celebration
Most communities celebrate Arbor Day in the spring. Your school can join in those community celebrations or plan your own, but observing the big day is part of the Tree Campus experience. Use it as a time to celebrate your school’s accomplishment, and honor students or staff who led your efforts.
Send in Your Application
Tree Campus Higher Education 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 school and community leading into the next school year.
Great Job! Now What?
Once you’ve been approved and recognized, the first step is to gather your team and celebrate your hard work. Help your community see why your campus is a leader in trees. You'll receive a press release template and social media recommendations to help spread the word.
Why become a Tree Campus
Leadership in Action
Make your campus community proud, and make your school’s reputation even stronger. Here’s what becoming a Tree Campus can do for you:
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 school stand out as a leader.
Get connected
As a Tree Campus, you’ll join a network of other schools and facilities 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 school.
The Campus Connection
Tree Campus Higher Education is part of an even bigger network, including K-12 schools and healthcare facilities. Explore our nationwide network of Tree Campuses below:
In addition to making your own community shine, being a Tree Campus makes you part of a nationwide network of colleges making an impact across the country:
411
Recognized Tree Campuses
168K+
Trees planted
19K+
Students engaged
50
States with Tree Campuses
What Tree Campus Leaders are Saying
Your First Steps to Campus Forestry
You don’t have to start from scratch. The Arbor Day Foundation is happy to connect you to experts, resources and tools to get started.
Readiness quiz
Not sure you’re ready? Find out what your school needs in order to get started.
Find your local expert
State Urban Forestry Coordinators are specialists that can provide support and expertise to help you care for trees in your community.
Tree Care Plan Template
Get started with a free template for laying out your Tree Care plan.
View a sample Tree Care Plan
Read Virginia Tech’s Campus Tree Care Plan to see what an outstanding program can look like.
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 Higher Education is an Arbor Day Foundation program supported in part by Bartlett Tree Experts.
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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.
