Creighton University and Saint Louis University Recognized with Tree Campus USA Status

Creighton University’s central plaza lined with trees.

BY ISN STAFF | April 24, 2015

As trees are being planted across the U.S. and beyond today in honor of Arbor Day, two Jesuit universities have earned special recognition for their commitment to the environment.  Creighton University and Saint Louis University have been recognized with the Arbor Day Foundation’s annual Tree Campus USA status which acknowledges campuses that effectively manage their campus trees, develop connectivity with the community beyond campus borders to foster healthy, urban forests, and strive to engage their student population utilizing service learning opportunities centered on campus, and community, forestry efforts.

Beyond these general goals these midwest Jesuit schools are required to demonstrate adherence to five standards areas.  Their campuses must have a Campus Tree Advisory Committee comprised of members representing the diverse audience of those with a stake in campus trees is established and meets regularly.  Campuses must have a campus plan for the care of cultivation of trees that includes documentation of the allocations of finances to support these efforts.  To receive status, campuses must also have annual events or programs that recognize Arbor Day and service learning efforts that engage students and/or other community members in increasing and caring for tree populations.  These standard areas are intended to utilize a campuses commitment to environmental sustainability through the care and fostering of tree populations on their campus and in local communities.