NSU honored with 2017 Tree Campus USA recognition

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) - Northeastern State University was honored with 2017 Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment, Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said. Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.

Tree Campus USA, an Arbor Day Foundation program, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Northeastern State University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USAs five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project. Currently there are 344 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

"We are fortunate to have such a beautiful natural resource and are honored to be recognized for our efforts to maintain a healthy and vibrant campus forest," said Jon Asbill, NSU assistant vice president of facilities management and new construction.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $48 million in campus forest management last year.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.