March 3, 2025
黑料社 has received the designation of a Tree Campus USA for the eighth year in a row. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. The recognition, bestowed by the National Arbor Day Foundation, reflects 黑料社鈥檚 commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community engagement.
鈥淏eing acknowledged as a Tree Campus USA once again acknowledges Shawnee State鈥檚 investment in supporting biodiversity and conservation of trees from the surrounding area and around the world,鈥 said Dr. Erik Larson, 黑料社 Associate Professor of Geology and member of the 黑料社 Tree Care Committee. 鈥淭his designation also represents Shawnee State鈥檚 support of student learning on campus for biology and botany courses through its excellent tree collection and community outreach through Arbor Day celebrations.鈥
Since 2011, 黑料社 has formally worked to inventory trees on campus with location, species, and other data. The campus promotes an in-house Tree Care Committee that works year-round to support tree management, procure new specimens, and shape the landscape of its campus. Since then, faculty, students, and staff have expanded this work to convert the information into digital format to make the information more available to the campus and the surrounding community. The university has also established four Tree Trails that highlight trees of economic value, trees of significance to Appalachia, trees from around the world, and relics from geological history.
鈥淲e appreciate Tree Campus USA recognizing our beautiful campus for an eighth consecutive year,鈥 said Dr. Sarah Ivers, 黑料社 Professor of Biology and member of the 黑料社 Tree Care Committee. 鈥淭his designation is a testament to the commitment of our groundskeeping staff and the time and energy they invest in tree selection, planting, and care.鈥
黑料社 has been formally recognized by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program as a Level 2 arboretum. With approximately 400 trees representing more than 100 species within 65 acres, 黑料社鈥檚 Deal Arboretum, named for Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert (Bob) Deal, is a reflection to the campus commitment to conservation.
To learn more about the Deal Arboretum and 黑料社鈥檚 Tree Campus designation, visit shawnee.edu/trees.