With Earth Week activities underway, Northern Kentucky University celebrates its 10th-straight year being named a Tree Campus USA®. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized NKU for promoting healthy trees on campus and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
“If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Northern Kentucky University is stepping up to do its part. As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you are helping to provide a solution to these global challenges,” Lauren Weyers said in the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA® announcement.
Tree Campus USA® reviews five standards when evaluating institutions, including having a tree advisory committee and campus tree-care plan, a dedicated annual budget for the campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning projects.
NKU’s monthly “Service on Saturday” events coordinate student volunteers to beautify the campus and community. Three hundred sixty-four colleges and universities were honored for their 2018 urban forest management efforts.
“Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, stated in the release.
NKU’s Sustainability Office has a full week of activities planned for Earth Week, including a walk for sustainability, an event to stop food waste on Wednesday and the FUSE sustainability roundtable on Thursday.
The week culminates on Arbor Day with free tree saplings and seeds handed out on the Student Union Plaza. Click here for the full list of Earth Week events.
Northern Kentucky University
