NSU garners Tree Campus USA accolades for third year

Office of Communications & Marketing |Northeastern State University
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Thanks to efforts to preserve and develop its campus woodland, Northeastern State University has been recognized as a 2012 Tree Campus USA.

The Tree Campus USA program, a partnership of the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, requires colleges and universities to achieve five standards for consideration: developing a campus tree advisory committee, creating a campus tree care plan, allocating a budget for the campus tree program, observing Arbor Day and participating in a service learning project.

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to meet the requirements necessary for Tree Campus designation, said Ronnie Grayson, Tree Campus Advisory Committee chair. By meeting the standards, it shows that we care about the campus trees and are serious about sustaining a healthy campus environment.

The committee is sponsoring an Arbor Day Celebration in conjunction with the 41st Symposium on the American Indian. The Arbor Day observance is April 12 from 2:30-3:50 p.m. at Centennial Plaza and open to the public.

NSU established its advisory committee in 2010. Grayson and other members have helped make the university a Tree Campus USA for three consecutive years.

The Tree Campus USA program and the advisory committee are instrumental in bringing about awareness of the benefits of trees to the campus and surrounding community, said Grayson. The program encourages best practices in tree care management which results in healthier trees, ultimately benefiting the environment.

Many facets of the environment and ecosystem are dependent on trees to thrive. Such factors are considered by the committee when making decisions.

Healthier trees provide shade and wind breaks and offer green gathering spaces for a more inviting campus environment, said Grayson. Tree leaves help clean the air, and the roots benefit the soil and water. Trees also provide food and a habitat for wildlife.

Grayson said interested students are welcome to join the Tree Campus Advisory Committee for a learning opportunity and involvement in an environmental preservation effort.
As students participate, they learn and become more aware of the importance of taking care of their environment, said Grayson. They have a part in the process and the outcome.

For more information write to Grayson at graysonv@nsuok.edu.