BGSU honored again with 'tree campus' designation by Arbor Day Foundation

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4. BGSU honored again with 'tree campus' designation by Arbor Day Foundation

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - As Earth Month begins, Bowling Green State University has received its third Tree Campus Higher Education designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for its dedication to effective forest management and learning community engagement in conservation efforts.

BGSU earned the recognition by meeting five rigorous standards established by the foundation, including maintaining a tree advisory committee, creating a campus tree-care plan, funding tree-planting efforts, offering student service projects and observing Arbor Day.

"I am proud that BGSU has been recognized as a Tree Campus for the third consecutive year," said Eric Heilmeier, director of campus services at BGSU. "This recognition reflects our dedication to campus beautification and our intentional care for the campus tree canopy. It is a reflection of the hard work and collaboration between Campus Operations, the Student Green Initiatives Fund and the BGSU Tree Committee. Together, we are committed to fostering a vibrant, sustainable environment for our entire community to enjoy."

Guided by the Office of Campus Sustainability, BGSU holds multiple tree plantings each year, which help to lower energy costs, provide cleaner air and offer green spaces for studying and gathering.

"Our annual tree plantings are memorable, hands-on experiences for learning community members," said Zachary Hayes, sustainability coordinator at BGSU. "By taking an active role in conservation efforts on campus, students, faculty and staff help to make a lasting impact toward providing fresh water, soil and air for everyone to enjoy."

Since 2009, BGSU has reduced its net carbon emissions by 46% and aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2040, as outlined in its Climate Action Plan. Additionally, the University offers a voluntarily-supported Student Green Initiatives Fund that has contributed nearly $2 million to student-proposed projects across campus since 2010.

Since its inception, the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education program has facilitated the planting of over 200,000 trees on college campuses nationwide through the assistance of more than 47,000 students.

For more information on BGSU sustainability efforts and Earth Month programming, visit BGSU.edu/earthmonth.