University of Redlands Named 2013 Tree Campus USA by Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation has named the University of Redlands a 2013 Tree Campus USA in honor of its commitment to effective community forestry management. This is the fifth year of recognition for the University. The University of Redlands achieved the designation by meeting the required five core standards for sustainable campus forestry: a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects. “Trees are a vital component of campus infrastructure and landscaping. Properly-placed trees create a welcoming space for students, staff and alumni, providing relief from heat and a quiet place to reflect or study,” said Jenny Sorenson, associate director of Facilities Management who supervises the tree-care plan at the University of Redlands. In addition to Arbor Day observance and various student activities, in 2013 the University planted and harvested numerous fruit trees on its campus farm, which students maintain as they learn the principles of sustainable agriculture. In addition, students engaged in reforesting in nearby communities, helping plant approximately 500 trees in concert with the U.S. Forest Service in Holcomb Valley near Big Bear, California. The University’s tree advisory committee includes members from the Students for Environmental Action group, the Community Service Learning office, professors in the Environment Studies and Biology departments, Facilities Management employees, as well a member of the city of Redlands Street Tree Committee. “We were one of the first four schools in the state to ever receive the tree campus designation and this is our fifth consecutive year to receive it. It’s a concerted effort, plus the University’s designation is a nice compliment to the City of Redlands tree city designation,” said Tony Mueller, Director of Community Service Learning. Students have a chance to give back to both their campus community and the community at large, Mueller emphasized. Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. Tree Campus USA is supported by a generous grant from Toyota. The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, celebrate and nurture trees.