West Virginia State University (WVSU) has received its second consecutive designation as a Tree Campus USA from the National Arbor Day Foundation. To date, WVSU remains the only institution of higher education in West Virginia to hold such a designation.
“West Virginia State has taken the initiative to ensure that our campus trees remain healthy and beautiful for years to come by using proper management techniques,” WVSU Extension Agent Brad Cochran said. “Tree Campus USA is a designation that we continue to be very proud of.”
To qualify, campuses must meet a series of criteria, including development and maintenance of a Campus Tree Board and Campus Tree Care Plan, having dedicated expenditures toward tree maintenance, hosting an annual Arbor Day observance, and holding an annual Service Learning Project on campus.
WVSU became the first institution in the state to receive Tree Campus USA designation for its tree care efforts last year.
“We worked hard in 2014 to ensure we were meeting each of the Arbor Day Foundation’s criteria and have continued that momentum,” said Cochran.
The Arbor Day Foundation partners with Toyota to sponsor the Tree Campus USA initiative.
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