Tree Campus Higher Education is a national recognition program that requires the submission of an annual application demonstrating your institution’s commitment to trees on campus and student engagement.
Campuses must meet all five standards through activities completed between January 1 and December 31 each year. The Tree Campus application portal opens annually in September and remains open until the following spring. Find your state’s deadline to complete your application on time.
1. Complete the Readiness Quiz
Begin by completing the Readiness Quiz. This short, self-guided assessment will help you evaluate how closely your campus aligns with the program's standards. It’s a quick and effective way to identify what you already have in place and where you may need to focus your efforts throughout the year.
2. Prepare documentation for your application.
Review the Tree Campus Higher Education standards and gather the appropriate documentation detailed in the “On your application you will...” section of standards page.
3. Create account or log in to the Program Recognition Portal.
If this is the first time you or your school is applying for Tree Campus recognition, you will need to create an account in the Program Recognition Portal. Make sure you use an email account you check regularly, as this is the account we will send communication regarding your application. If you already have an account, you can skip to the Program Recognition Portal login page.
4. Complete the application.
Once your account is created, you can either enter your campus information or select your campus if it has previously applied for Tree Campus recognition. You should complete each section of the application carefully and ensure that all required information is included.
5. Submit your application.
Once you have entered all the required information, you must submit the application for review.
6. Your application will go into review.
Your campuses application is first reviewed by your State Urban & Community Forestry staff, then it is reviewed by the Arbor Day Foundation. If there is something missing, incorrect, or unclear with your application materials, you will receive a notification that the application has been placed “In Revision” with comments on what needs to be corrected or addressed.
7. You'll receive notification of your application status.
Once all reviews and revisions (if any) have been completed, you will receive a notification of the status of your application.
8. Need help? Here's who to contact.
If there are any issues during your application process you can reach out to your State Urban & Community Forestry staff or email [email protected].
Ready to Start?
When you create an account, you take an important step towards becoming a Tree Campus – even if you’re not ready to apply yet. Get the resources you need to get ready and start your plan.