school children learning outside

The Campus Connection

Tree Campus K-12 is just one Tree Campus program. We also recognize partners in healthcare and higher education, creating a nationwide network of campuses that care for trees.

In addition to making your own community shine, being a Tree Campus makes you part of a nationwide network of schools making an impact across the country.

28

States with a Tree Campus K-12

84

Recognized schools

6,272

Trees planted or distributed

11,385

Students involved in an Arbor Day celebration

Sharpen Your Pencils

To earn Tree Campus K-12 recognition, your school will meet the programs four goals during the school year and submit your application in the spring. Not sure where to start? Take our quick readiness quiz to see how close you are to earning recognition.

Goal 1: Tree Campus Team

Building a Tree Campus Team brings together the champions who will guide your school’s progress toward Tree Campus K–12 recognition. This team ensures that tree-based learning, planning, and celebrations are collaborative and supported across the school community.

Goal 2: Education Plan

To earn recognition, your school must provide students with meaningful learning experiences about trees and their value. Your education plan should outline how and when students will engage in tree-based learning during the year. Looking for a place to start? Our Learning Hub has a curated library of lesson plans, activities, and guides for all grade levels. 

Download education plan template

Goal 3: Hands-On Experience

Students must participate in a meaningful, action-based experience that deepens their connection to trees and their role in the environment. This experience can take many forms, what matters most is that students are actively involved and learning through doing. 

Goal 4: Arbor Day Observance 

Your school must host or participate in a tree-focused celebration, which may take place on National Arbor Day, your states Arbor Day, or another time during the school year that works for your schedule. This can include a tree planting event, assembly, tree giveaway, outdoor activity, or even a classroom celebration, as long as it highlights the value of trees and engages the school community.

Finalize Your Application

Once your school has met all four Tree Campus K-12 standards, you’re ready to apply! Submit your application in the spring, and earn national recognition to celebrate your school’s commitment to trees and student leadership. 

making the case

Building Consensus – And Momentum

Adopting a new program requires buy-in from across your school, and possibly your district. We’ve developed resources to help you make the case, so your program gets the support it needs from everyone.

What Schools Like Yours are Saying

I appreciate the supportive connection with the Arbor Day Foundation which allows us to reach the broader community through empowering and promoting agency in students to learn about and plant trees—EVERYONE smiles with joy at trees!

Lisa Mattson
Principal Mentor, Outdoor Ed Advisor at On Track Academy

I truly value the opportunity to connect and network with other like-minded schools and districts. I also really love the public recognition and acknowledgement of our efforts.

Seamus Clune
Supervisor of Assessment, Innovation, and Engagement, Perkiomen Valley School District

Trees are so incredible and it feels so special to be part of a group of schools that are focusing on trees!

Phillip Dukes
Teacher, Rincon/University High School

I love the K-12 Tree Campus program because it offers a place to find support for our school's commitment to the tree/forest crisis. Participating gives students a sense of belonging to a greater cause. The flag is awesome too!

Mary Beth Cochran
Teacher, John Carroll School
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 K-12 Collaborators

Tree Campus K-12 is an Arbor Day Foundation Program in cooperation with Project Learning Tree and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

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Our Community Forestry Connection newsletter keeps you up to date on programs, best practices, and opportunities for conservation leadership.