The Arbor Day Foundation recognized The Ohio State University as a 2024 Tree Campus for its dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment and community engagement.
“This recognition reflects Ohio State’s ongoing dedication to preserving and enhancing our campus green spaces,” said Stephen Schneider, landscape services planner for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD). Through collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability, we continue to foster an environment where trees not only beautify our campus but also provide lasting environmental benefits for future Buckeye generations to come.”
This is the 13th year Ohio State has received the distinction, which honors colleges and universities for effective campus urban forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation.
“Chadwick Arboretum is an important part of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Every year, we celebrate Arbor Day at CFAES and Chadwick to honor trees and the people who love and care for them,” said Dr. Laura Deeter, professor of practice in CFAES Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, and Sandy and Andy Ross Endowed Director of Chadwick Arboretum. “The CFAES purpose, ‘We Sustain Life,’ really shines through when it comes to trees.”
Ohio State achieved the distinction by meeting the Arbor Day Foundation’s five core standards including maintaining an advisory committee, setting a campus tree care plan, verifying annual investment in the tree care plan, celebrating Arbor Day and creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.