The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized UT Southern as a 2024 Tree Campus, acknowledging the institution’s dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and active participation. This esteemed foundation operates as a global nonprofit organization, with a mission to inspire individuals to plant, care for, and celebrate trees. Since its inception in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has cultivated a vast network of over a million supporters and partners, contributing to the planting of more than 500 million trees across forests and communities in 60 different countries.
The Tree Campus initiative specifically honors educational institutions and healthcare organizations that leverage the benefits of trees to enrich their communities. The presence of trees on campus not only helps in lowering energy expenses by providing shade and mitigating extreme heat, but it also plays a crucial role in enhancing air quality and promoting physical health among students and staff. Additionally, trees contribute positively to the mental and cognitive well-being of students, improve the aesthetic appeal of campuses, and create inviting shaded areas conducive to studying and socializing.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus initiative is executed in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and receives valuable support from professional partner Bartlett Tree Experts. For those interested in learning more about this initiative or exploring the application process, further information can be found at arborday.org.