The Ohio State University was honored with the 2023 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
“Receiving this recognition again is a testament to Ohio State’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and community engagement,” said Stephen Schneider, landscape planner for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD). “This honor is a culmination of work from several different departments across the university including Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the School of Environment and Natural Resources.”
This is the 12th year Ohio State has received the distinction, which honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Ohio State achieved the distinction by meeting Tree Campus Higher Education’s five standards, including maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project.
The honor aligns with the Ohio State sustainability goals, including a commitment to increase the Ecosystem Services Index to 85% by 2025.
An Arbor Day Celebration will be held on April 26, 2024 at the Kottman Hall Patio.