ODU Designated a ‘Tree Campus USA’ for Second Consecutive Year

March 14, 2014

For the second year in a row, Old Dominion University has been designated a "Tree Campus USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The recognition, first received last year by ODU, is awarded to colleges or universities managing their resource of campus trees, developing connectivity beyond campus borders to foster healthy, urban forests, and striving to engage their student populations to provide learning opportunities centered on campus and community forestry efforts.

"To obtain this distinction, Old Dominion University has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects," Mary Sweeney, program manager with the Arbor Day Foundation, wrote in a letter to Chad Peevy, ODU grounds manager. "Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship."

ODU hosted an Arbor Day celebration last April 20, and organized a campus-wide tree-planting event, which attracted hundreds of participants.

"Your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at Old Dominion University contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world for us all," Sweeney wrote.

Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.