March 3, 2025
51做厙 has received the designation of a Tree Campus USA for the eighth year in a row. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. The recognition, bestowed by the National Arbor Day Foundation, reflects SSUs commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community engagement.
Being acknowledged as a Tree Campus USA once again acknowledges Shawnee States investment in supporting biodiversity and conservation of trees from the surrounding area and around the world, said Dr. Erik Larson, SSU Associate Professor of Geology and member of the SSU Tree Care Committee. This designation also represents Shawnee States support of student learning on campus for biology and botany courses through its excellent tree collection and community outreach through Arbor Day celebrations.
Since 2011, SSU has formally worked to inventory trees on campus with location, species, and other data. The campus promotes an in-house Tree Care Committee that works year-round to support tree management, procure new specimens, and shape the landscape of its campus. Since then, faculty, students, and staff have expanded this work to convert the information into digital format to make the information more available to the campus and the surrounding community. The university has also established four Tree Trails that highlight trees of economic value, trees of significance to Appalachia, trees from around the world, and relics from geological history.
We appreciate Tree Campus USA recognizing our beautiful campus for an eighth consecutive year, said Dr. Sarah Ivers, SSU Professor of Biology and member of the SSU Tree Care Committee. This designation is a testament to the commitment of our groundskeeping staff and the time and energy they invest in tree selection, planting, and care.
SSU has been formally recognized by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program as a Level 2 arboretum. With approximately 400 trees representing more than 100 species within 65 acres, SSUs Deal Arboretum, named for Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert (Bob) Deal, is a reflection to the campus commitment to conservation.
To learn more about the Deal Arboretum and 51做厙s Tree Campus designation, visit shawnee.edu/trees.