Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota Grant 50 Trees to LaSalle University Through Tree Campus USA

11/29/12
Philadelphia, Penn. (November 29, 2012) – Students and staff at LaSalle University planted trees from the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota this morning, in celebration of the campus commitment to caring for and maintaining its urban forest.

LaSalle University, a four-year Catholic institution, is working toward 2012 Tree Campus USA recognition.

Today's volunteer effort is one of several tree planting events sponsored by the Foundation and Toyota during the fall of 2012 to give students and staff the opportunity to participate in hands-on conservation activities. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society co-hosted the event, which is part of the Plant One Million campaign to restore tree canopy in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.

Today, 50 trees were planted on the south end of campus near the St. Basil Court Front Lawn.

"We're excited to share the spirit of stewardship with LaSalle University," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Through working together to plant trees and beautify the campus community, we help grow the next generation of conservation leaders."

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. Tree Campus USA is supported by a generous grant from Toyota.

During 2011, the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota helped campuses throughout the country plant 30,000 trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities have invested more than $22 million in campus forest management. More information about the Tree Campus USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org, or by visiting us on Facebook, Twitter or our blog.

About Toyota: Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs over 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $600 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.

For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.

About the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1827, is a nationally acclaimed leader in community greening. PHS works with volunteers, government agencies, businesses, and other organizations to plan, create, and maintain community green spaces. Proceeds from the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, as well as gifts from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals, support PHS programs and initiatives, including Plant One Million, a multi-state tree-planting campaign, and City Harvest, which provides fresh produce to families in need. www.phsonline.org.