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Trees in Communities
Tree Campus Higher Education
Healthy, vibrant trees are a hallmark of a beautiful college campus. The Tree Campus program gives higher education leaders a framework and support to create and sustain that environment on their campuses.
Apply now for funding to strengthen your campus tree program!
Are you ready to take the next step on your Tree Campus journey? Apply now for a Tree Campus Jumpstart Stipend and earn up to $5,000 in funding to grow your tree care program, engage students, and earn your first year of Tree Campus Higher Education recognition. Don't wait! Applications are open until July 30th or until all funds are awarded.
Shaping sustainable campuses
Tree Campus Higher Education is a national recognition program that helps colleges and universities plant, nurture, and celebrate trees on campus and beyond.
By meeting five simple standards, designed for campuses of all sizes, your campus can become part of a growing network of institutions working to create a greener future. Tree Campus Higher Education helps campuses demonstrate and promote their commitment to environmental leadership, urban forestry, and community resilience.
The Campus Connection
Tree Campus Higher Education is part of an even bigger network, including K-12 schools and healthcare facilities. Explore our nationwide network of Tree Campuses below.
In addition to making your own community shine, being a Tree Campus makes you part of a nationwide network of colleges making an impact across the country:
412
Recognized Tree Campuses
206K+
Trees planted
47K+
Students engaged
49
States with Tree Campuses
Become a Tree Campus
Overview
Start Your Journey
To earn Tree Campus recognition, you’ll work throughout the calendar year to meet the five program standards and submit your application in the fall or winter. Not sure where to start? Take our quick readiness quiz to see how close your campus is to earning recognition.
Standard 1: Campus Tree Advisory Committee
Form a committee, including students, faculty, facilities staff, and community members, to guide campus tree initiatives and foster collaboration for your campus tree program.
Standard 2: Campus Tree Care Plan
Develop a comprehensive plan outlining policies for planting, maintaining, and removing trees, ensuring sustainable campus forestry practices.
Standard 3: Annual Expenditures
Demonstrate a financial commitment to your campus tree program by documenting annual expenditures dedicated to tree care and management. This includes funding for planting, maintenance, staff time, and volunteer time or educational programming that supports a healthy campus canopy.
Standard 4: Arbor Day Observance
Host an annual Arbor Day event, or other tree celebration, to celebrate the benefits of trees, engage the campus community, and share about the importance of urban forestry.
Standard 5: Student Service-Learning Project
Get students outside and involved through a hands-on tree-focused project that connects learning, leadership, and local impact.
Send in Your Application
Once you’ve met the five standards, submit your application in the fall or winter. Recognition is announced in spring—just in time to celebrate your campus’s commitment to trees and sustainability.
Your First Steps to Campus Forestry
You don’t have to start from scratch. The Arbor Day Foundation is happy to connect you to experts, resources and tools to get started.
Readiness quiz
Not sure you’re ready? Find out what your school needs in order to get started.
Find a Local Expert
State Urban Forestry Coordinators are specialists that can provide support and expertise to help you care for trees in your community.
Tree Care Plan Template
Get started with a free template for laying out your Tree Care plan.
View a sample Tree Care Plan
Read Virginia Tech’s Campus Tree Care Plan to see what an outstanding program can look like.
Find your state deadline
Each state has a deadline for completing your annual Tree Campus Higher Education application. View your state’s deadline to ensure you complete the application on time.
Recognized Tree Campuses
Explore nationally recognized campuses across your state and throughout the country.
Why become a Tree Campus
Leadership in Action
Make your campus community proud, and make your school’s reputation even stronger. Here’s what becoming a Tree Campus can do for you:
Get recognized
Signage and other physical and digital recognition materials are symbols of your commitment to the community, and to the future of tree stewardship. That recognition helps your school stand out as a leader.
Get connected
As a Tree Campus, you’ll join a network of other schools and facilities committed to a healthier future, so you can share ideas and opportunities.
Stay informed
Get news and updates about recognition programs, plus new ideas for your school.
What Tree Campus Leaders are Saying
Apply today
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.
Tree Campus Higher Education is an Arbor Day Foundation program supported in part by Bartlett Tree Experts.
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Our Community Forestry Connection newsletter keeps you up to date on programs, best practices, and opportunities for conservation leadership.
