Duke Named Tree Campus USA For 11th Year
Arbor Day Foundation recognition highlights Duke’s promotion of healthy trees and conservation
Duke has earned the distinction of being one of the friendliest campuses for trees in the country.
The Arbor Day Foundation named Duke a 2018 Tree Campus USA site, an honor for colleges and universities that promote healthy trees and engage the community in conservation efforts. There are 364 campuses across the United States with the “Tree Campus USA” recognition.
This marks the 11th straight year Duke has received recognition as a Tree Campus USA.
“This reward highlights the work we’ve taken to keep trees essential to our campus landscape and identity,” said Roger Conner, grounds maintenance superintendent for Facilities Management. “It’s nice to know our efforts in sustainability are recognized.”
The Arbor Day Foundation selects Tree Campus USA schools by examining five core standards. Duke has a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated spending on a campus tree-care plan, involvement in an Arbor Day observance, and a student service-learning project.
Duke has roughly 15,000 trees, as well as about 7,060 acres of land as part of Duke Forest.
“Duke has continuously showcased their dedication to the campus environment by meeting those five standards,” said Lauren Weyers, program coordinator for Tree Campus USA. “We commend Duke for their hard work and dedication to campus trees.”
Duke’s Facilities Management Department will celebrate the recognition in March with an on-campus tree planting event open to the entire Duke community.
The Arbor Day Foundation launched Tree Campus USA in 2008 by planting trees at nine college campuses throughout the United States. Duke was among the inaugural campuses selected and was the first campus in North Carolina to receive the recognition.
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