VUJC honored as tree-friendly campus

Vincennes University’s Vincennes and Jasper campuses are the recipients of 2015 Tree Campus USA® recognitions by the Arbor Day Foundation for VU’s commitment to effective urban forest management.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”

Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. VU and the VU Jasper Campus 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 projects.

Currently there are 254 campuses with this recognition across the United  States.

“We are proud that both our Vincennes and Jasper campuses have received this honor annually since 2009. Being good stewards of our environment is important to us. It demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, the future, and the pride we have for our respective communities,” said VU President Chuck Johnson.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $36.8 million in campus forest management last year.