Colorado State University Designated an Official Tree Campus USA

Colorado State University has been honored by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota Motor North America Inc. for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and communities in conversation about urban tree care. CSU is now an official Tree Campus USA.

To become a 2011 Tree Campus USA, CSU was required to demonstrate that it will ensure the protection and maintenance of the campus’ urban forest, reduce hazardous tree risks to public safety and maintain a sustainable campus forest through tree species diversity and best management practices. The university joins more than 150 American colleges and universities recognized by the program.

“We are extremely pleased with this recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation. It recognizes a history of excellent urban forestry practices by the Outdoor Services Group of Facilities Management and the commitment of Colorado State University to enhance those practices in the future,” said Fred Haberecht, assistant director of landscaping and planning with CSU’s Facilities Management. His staff is responsible for the more than 4,500 trees on the main campus as well as thousands of trees on CSU’s satellite campuses.

CSU attained the five Tree Campus USA standards for sustainable campus forestry, including the establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree care plan, an official Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects.

“This is an opportunity to connect our students to their urban and community forests. We hope it will lead to more hands-on learning and help us educate the campus community about the many benefits of our trees,” said Jamie Dahl, experiential learning coordinator for the Colorado State Forest Service and leading member of CSU’s new tree advisory committee. Committee members include CSU Facilities Management and Forest and Rangeland Stewardship staff as well as the Fort Collins City Forester, a student representative and CSFS Fort Collins District personnel.

On April 20, the Arbor Day Foundation will visit campus to lead a 2012 Arbor Day observance ceremony at the CSU Oval, which will include the planting of 27 American elms as part of the Oval Preservation Fund. Details about the celebration and related volunteer opportunities will be available soon.

“Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Mary Widhelm, program manager for the Arbor Day Foundation, in an e-mail to the committee members. “Your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at Colorado State University contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world for us all.”

More information about the Oval Preservation Fund is at http://campaign.colostate.edu/oval.aspx.

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