Arbor Day Foundation Names Villanova University as a ‘Tree Campus Higher Education Institution’ for the Fourth Consecutive Year
VILLANOVA, Pa. – For the fourth consecutive year, the national Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Villanova University as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution. Tree Campus Higher Education is a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation that honors colleges, universities, and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
“From a visitor’s first impression, to the final Baccalaureate Mass on the campus green, the majestic campus trees create iconic spaces at Villanova,” said Robert Morro, Vice President for Facilities Management. “Our dedicated and talented grounds crew play a key role in our continued recognition by The Arbor Day Foundation.”
Villanova earned this distinction by meeting the five core standards for an effective campus forest management set by the Arbor Day Foundation: Establishing a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and the sponsorship of student service learning projects.
“We celebrate your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at Villanova University,” Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation, said about the University’s recognition. “We know that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges – but you have shown that your commitment to trees is unwavering. Now, more than ever, thank you for contributing to a healthier planet for all of us.”
The Tree Campus family of programs was renamed this year from Tree Campus USA to Tree Campus Higher Education, unifying the Tree Campus family of recognition programs, which includes Tree Campus K-12 and Tree Campus Healthcare.
“It is an honor to receive the distinction of being a Tree Campus Higher Education,” said Hugh Weldon, Horticultural Manager at Villanova University. “Villanova has a magnificent campus landscape often highlighted by its champion trees. It is great to see them being used in different ways – be it in a biology class or environmental sciences class, or by single students or small groups sitting under the shade they cast.”
Weldon provides Villanova Tree tours throughout the year during events like Parents Weekend, Reunion Weekend, Sustainability Week and Earth Week. Campus visitors are also able to embark on a self-guided campus tree tour through the use of our campus tree map, which features 35 unique tree species.
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.