For the fifth consecutive year, Northeastern Illinois University has received a Tree Campus USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for promoting healthy trees and engaging the University community in conservation efforts.
In order to earn this distinction, the University had to meet the five core standards for effective campus forest management according to Tree Campus USA: a tree advisory committee, a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for a campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and a student service-learning project.
This award was made possible through the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff members in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, the Department of Biology, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Division of Finance and Administration.
“As a campus community, we are extremely proud not only because of this recognition, but also because of what it implies,” said Pamela Geddes, associate professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences. “In times when environmental issues and concerns abound, we are honored to continue to engage our campus in sustainability and ecological stewardship. In addition, this distinction is possible due to the cooperation of several departments and sums up what truly collaborative work can achieve.”
In 2018, 385 campuses across the United States received this recognition.
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. With over one million members, the Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.
Top photo (left to right): Alison Bonilla, Maricarmen Tellez, Millenia Jimenez and Olga Alfaro participate in a Biology class tree exercise.
