POTSDAM — Clarkson University was honored with 2019 Tree Campus USA® recognition 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 Clarkson University's participation air will be purer, water cleaner and your 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. Clarkson University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s 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 385 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

“The Clarkson Tree Committee that was formed as part of our effort at becoming a Tree Campus has been a real model for how students, faculty, administrators, and facilities & services can work together to manage our campus trees with a common goal of beauty and ecological health of the Clarkson campus. It has gotten students involved in the planning and maintenance of campus green spaces, and led to the sharing of information between our facilities staff and scientists about what trees to plant and how to keep them healthy," said Professor Tom Langen, Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.

More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.