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USF Designated as 2014 Tree Campus USA
Congratulations to the University of South Florida for earning the 2014 Tree Campus USA recognition. This title symbolizes the University's dedication and commitment to promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship.
Tree Campus USA is a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota that honors colleges, universities, and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. When the program launched in 2008, there were only 29 Tree Campus USA colleges and universities across the country, and now after 7 years of success, there are over 200.
In order to obtain this distinction, the University of South Florida had to meet the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of 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. The entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.
When USF first opened its doors back in 1956, the grounds had zero trees. Nearly 60 years later, the campus now has over 500 trees! Each tree was planted as an effort to not only improve the visual appearance of the campus but to promote the importance of planting trees and the benefits they can bring.
"USF is proud to be designated as Tree Campus USA for a number of years in succession," said Dr. Kebreab Ghebremichael, Director of the USF Office of Sustainability. "It is an indication of our commitment to greening the campus as we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Along with the other recognitions we receive every year, this will help us to further our commitment to sustainable practices within our campus and the Tampa Bay community."
The benefits of being a Tree Campus USA are substantial, for example: a commitment to trees on campus can significantly reduce the amount of energy a campus, and community, needs to produce. Also, planting, and maintaining, trees on your campus and in the community reduces carbon dioxide in the atmosphere - which is one of the important roles that trees play. Finally, green spaces give students and staff a comfortable setting to relax with others, or on their own. It's the perfect way to study or just take a break.