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Trees in Communities
Tree Campus K-12
Tree Campus K-12 recognizes schools that lead the way in tree stewardship. When you make trees part of your curriculum and your campus, you make your school a better place to learn and live.


Growing together
Tree Campus K-12 is a national recognition program that helps schools bring the power of trees into the classroom and the community.
Schools earn recognition by meeting four core goals throughout the school year. Through hands-on learning, service projects, and campus engagement, students of all ages connect with nature and grow as environmental stewards.
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
Become a Tree Campus
Overview
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.
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.
Tree Campus Resources
Educators, parents, and community members can all play a role in supporting your Tree Campus. Here are some helpful tools to get started.
Readiness quiz
The best place to start. Find out what your school needs in order to get off the ground.
Create an account
It’s never too early! Open an account now to make your application process easy.
Education Plan Template
Get started with a free template for laying out your education plan.
Learning hub
Bring trees into your classroom with this collection of lesson plans and activities.
Nominate a school
Tell us about a potentially great Tree Campus partner and we’ll help them get started.
Find a local arboretum
An arboretum is where trees are grown for study and public viewing, often with educational programs.
Tree care education
We offer comprehensive tree care tips to guide you through selecting and maintaining the right tree.
Find a local tree expert
Arborists are professionals skilled in caring for trees and ensuring their long-term health.
Project Learning Tree
An award-winning environmental program with curriculum and local resources for classrooms.
Celebrate Arbor Day
Find your state's Arbor Day date, history, celebration ideas, educational resources, and more.
Local conservation district
Find your local conservation district for Tree Campus K-12 support.
Tree Campus Overview
Learn how your school can grow young tree stewards and become recognized nationally.
Why become a Tree Campus
Create a sustainable learning environment
Education is about more than ABCs – it’s also about giving students a community to care for and connect with. Tree Campus schools build that connection and show students how to make real impact.
Get recognized
When you earn recognition, you'll receive signage and other physical and digital recognition materials to share your commitment to the future of tree stewardship. This 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.

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.

Case study
“The goals of Tree Campus K–12 highlight how to help our students, families, and neighbors learn about and honor trees, which are critical to our health as a community.”
Learn about one of our favorite success stories: The Abington Friends School’s Tree Campus.
What Schools Like Yours 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 K-12 Collaborators
Tree Campus K-12 is an Arbor Day Foundation Program in cooperation with Project Learning Tree and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Sign up
Stay Informed
Our Community Forestry Connection newsletter keeps you up to date on programs, best practices, and opportunities for conservation leadership.