Arbor Day Foundation Honors JSU

02/18/2020

The Arbor Day Foundation has once again named Jacksonville State a Tree Campus USA for its commitment to effective urban forest management. 

"Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities, showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of Jacksonville State University's participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.”

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. JSU achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project. Currently there are 385 US campuses, including 12 in Alabama, with this designation.

JSU will celebrate Arbor Day during a ceremony on Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m., at Martin Hall. Acting President Don Killingsworth and Jacksonville Mayor Johnny Smith will give remarks while Christian Dunn, assistant professor of graphic design, will have artwork on display created for the event. University and city representatives will apply the final scoop of soil to complete the planting of an oak tree on campus. The event is free and open to the public.