UNM recognized for second consecutive year by Arbor Day Foundation ahead of annual celebration

The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized The University of New Mexico for the second consecutive year as part of the Tree Campus Higher Education program, honoring the University's commitment to tree education, stewardship, and community engagement.

UNM's Albuquerque campus features 5,000 trees representing 235 different species and is also a nationally accredited arboretum.

"Trees are essential infrastructure that make our campus healthier, cooler, and more welcoming," said Shawna Wolfe, vice president of UNM Institutional Support Services. "Investing in our campus tree canopy improves the long-term resilience of our university, and the well-being of everyone who learns, works, and gathers here. We're proud to receive this recognition again from the Arbor Day Foundation and to continue growing and caring for UNM's urban forest."

Tree Campus Higher Education recognition requires colleges and universities to uphold five standards as part of the program: maintain a tree advisory committee, implement a campus tree care plan, document annual investment in tree management, celebrate Arbor Day, and engage students through service-learning projects.

UNM Facility Services' Grounds & Landscaping unit organized numerous tree-planting events in 2025, including Campus Clean Up Days in April and Fall Frenzy in October.

Significant new plantings were also completed as part of the construction of the UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower, that included both new trees and additional landscaping. Other recent enhancements feature umbrella catalpas near the Duck Pond, along with western shagbark pecans, and Camperdown elms.

Landscapers, campus arborists and volunteers planted a total of 222 new trees at UNM during 2025.

Arbor Day Celebration - Campus Clean Up & Arboretum Tour Launch
UNM will host two events in celebration of Arbor Day on April 24. Events are open to the campus and surrounding community, and volunteers can participate in a Central Campus Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon, that will include tree plantings and other campus beautification activities.

After the cleanup, the UNM Office of Sustainability and its partners will launch a new series of public arboretum tours at the Duck Pond, starting at noon. The tours were developed by UNM alumni Richard Perce as part of his master of Community and Regional Planning professional project. The routes include new physical signage and integration with the UNM Interactive Campus Map.

Initial tour themes include "UNM Arborist Rockstar Trees," highlighting species uncommon in New Mexico, and "UNM History Through Trees." Future routes will explore cultural uses of trees and climate-ready tree species.

To receive more information about the Campus Clean Up and Arbor Day Arboretum Tour launch, join the UNM Office of Sustainability mailing list, or check the Office of Sustainability Events Page for details.