USC Upstate students participate in a tree-planting as part of their University 101 class. Photo by Les Duggins.
The University of South Carolina Upstate has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA for a 14th consecutive year. The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
To earn this distinction from the Arbor Day Foundation, an institution must meet five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus Higher Education:
- Establishment of a tree advisory committee.
- Evidence of a campus tree care plan.
- Dedicated annual expenditures for a campus tree program.
- An observance of Arbor Day.
- The sponsorship of student service-learning projects.
“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall wellbeing.”
The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. Its Tree Campus Higher Education program began in 2008 to encourage colleges and universities to plant trees on their campuses.
Trees on campus and in urban spaces can lower energy costs by providing shade cover, cleaner air and water, and green spaces for students and faculty. In addition, trees improve students’ mental and cognitive health, provide an appealing aesthetic for campuses, and create shaded areas for studying and gathering.
“I’m just glad we can get the support to say we are a Tree Campus USA and it be meaningful to the students,” said Bruce Suddeth, director of building and landscape services at USC Upstate. “It has long been a priority to utilize the campus landscape in student recruitment and retention. I am proud of our team that works to do their best in making the campus look good.”