For the fifth year in a row, the University of North Georgia has been awarded a Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation.
This distinction recognizes the university's commitment to effective urban forest management, according to a news release posted this week on the university's website.
"Receiving the Tree Campus recognition for the fifth year in a row demonstrates UNG's commitment to protecting our green space, promoting canopies, and signaling to the community the importance of trees in our learning and working environments," said Adam Strzemienski, assistant director of facilities for capital planning and sustainability.
In order to receive the distinction, the university was required to meet five standards: maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, allocate annual expenses for a campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning projects. The Arbor Day observance was optional this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To meet these standards, Strzemienski said university staff perform routine care on existing trees on campus property and collaborate with professionals for help maintaining the oldest trees. Students, staff and faculty get involved through the UNG president's Committee on Sustainability and the Tree Advisory Committee.
"Seeing this level of buy-in from students is very encouraging and is evidence of their commitment toward a greener, healthier campus," Strzemienski said.
The Tree Campus Higher Education honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging in conservation with others on campus. Currently, 403 other campuses across the university have also been recognized.
