The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has earned the distinction of being a 2018 Tree Campus USA®, as awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
"Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of UAFS’ participation, its air will be purer, water cleaner, and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.”
The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. UAFS achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards: maintaining a tree advisory committee, developing a campus tree-care plan, dedicating annual expenditures for its campus tree program, hosting an Arbor Day observance and offering student service-learning projects.
“At UAFS we continually strive to be good neighbors and good stewards of our environment,” said UAFS Interim Chancellor Dr. Edward Serna. “This designation recognizes a great success on those fronts, and we are proud to not only have a beautiful campus, but one that offers student-learning opportunities and engages our campus in the spirit of conservation.”
UAFS is one of 364 campuses across the United States to earn this recognition.
“The strong partnership between SSC [Southeast Service Corp.] and UAFS has fostered renewed commitment to the students and our overall landscape experience, said Matt Rich, grounds manager for UAFS and its contracted lawn service company, Southeast Service Corp. " By working together as activists, students, mentors and good stewards, we have accomplished goals and tasks that benefit both our campus and community.”
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. More information about Tree Campus USA can be found at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.