UNO Named 2020 Tree Campus USA

For the 11th consecutive year, UNO has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for efforts that promote healthy trees as well as engaging students in the spirit of conservation.

In being recognized as a Tree Campus USA, UNO had to meet the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry:

• Established tree advisory committee
• Evidence of a campus tree-care plan
• Dedicated annual expenditures for the campus tree program
• An Arbor Day observance
• Sponsorship of student service-learning projects

"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 UNO’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty trees provide.”

UNO is one of just over 400 universities across the country to receive the Tree Campus USA designation for 2020 and is one of a small number that have received the designation for more than a decade.

In recognition of the effort, UNO's Landscape Management team will plant a new tree on campus in the coming weeks, a tradition that has been in place since UNO's first Tree Campus recognition in 2009.

The effort from UNO's Landscape Management team and UNO Office of Sustainability is just one way that the campus is committed to preserving and supporting the planet. More information on these efforts is available at the UNO Sustainability website.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus Higher Education colleges and universities have invested more than $51 million in campus forest management last year. This work directly supports the Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees initiative — an unprecedented effort to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities and inspire 5 million tree planters by 2022.

Last year, Tree Campus Higher Education schools collectively planted 39,178 trees and engaged 81,535 tree planters — helping the Arbor Day Foundation work toward these critical goals. More information about the program is available at treecampushighered.org.