Eight years and still growing strong.
Every year since 2014, the Arbor Day Foundation has chosen the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a Tree Campus USA. The designation honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in conservation efforts.
“It is a point of pride for our campus to again receive the Tree Campus USA designation. Our Facilities, Planning and Management Department has done great work planning for and ensuring our campus is well-suited to earn this designation. Particular credit is owed to the Landscaping and Grounds Team that does an exceptional job maintaining the campus grounds,” said Tyler Forrest, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, whose division includes facilities management and maintenance.
To be selected as a Tree Campus USA, schools must meet five criteria:
- A tree advisory committee
- A campus tree-care plan
- Dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program
- An Arbor Day observance
- A student service-learning project
“Over the past year, many have been reminded of the importance of nature to our physical and mental health. Your campus trees provide spaces of refuge and reflection to students, staff, faculty, and the community. Thank you for your contribution to this work,” Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe told UTC in the notification of its Tree Campus USA selection.
