The Arbor Day Foundation has honored Northeastern Illinois University with 2017 Tree Campus USA recognition for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the third consecutive year Northeastern has earned the honor.
To obtain this distinction, the University has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA: 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.
“Northeastern Illinois University, with an urban Main Campus, has a high tree diversity that beautifies the campus,” Associate Professor of Biology Pam Geddes said. “Besides aesthetic benefits, mature trees also provide numerous environmental, economic, social and health benefits. As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we are proud to have been honored with the Tree Campus USA designation for the third year in a row.”
The honor was the product of collaboration between faculty members from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, the Department of Biology, the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Finance and Administration.
Currently there are 344 campuses across the United States with this recognition.
Tree Campus USA, a national Arbor Day Foundation program, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.
