Auburn University earns sixth consecutive Tree Campus USA designation

Auburn University has once again earned the Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing Auburn for promoting healthy trees and engaging staff and students in conservation efforts.

There are more than 8,000 trees on the 601 acres of Auburn's campus and the count continues to grow. In 2014, 179 new trees were planted on campus. The trees are managed by Landscape Services, the Athletics Department, the Department of University Housing and others.

The university has supported the Arbor Day Foundation's five core values by establishing a tree advisory committee, creating a campus tree-care plan, dedicating an annual budget for tree care, establishing an Arbor Day observance and sponsoring student service-learning projects.

"Auburn University's recognition as a Tree Campus USA since 2009 is a reflection of the university's commitment to the health and long-term preservation of our trees," said Gary Keever, Auburn University professor of horticulture and Facilities Management landscape consultant. "This commitment continues to grow yearly and places Auburn in the top tier of U.S. universities in terms of the importance we place on campus trees and the resources expended for their well-being."

"We have a team of dedicated employees that have the sole responsibility of maintaining the trees on campus," said Steven Johnston, superintendent of the Facilities Management Landscape Services Department. "On a daily basis, this team works diligently to provide the best care possible for our trees."

Tree Campus USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program sponsored in partnership with Toyota. To find out more about the Tree Campus USA program, go to http://www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/.