Eastern Illinois University Sustainability - Tree Campus USA

Eastern Illinois University - Tree Campus USA

Eastern Illinois University is proud to have once again attained Tree Campus USA status! First earning this status in 2010 and recently retaining the distinction for 2011, EIU is one of 115 American colleges and universities to be recognized via this partnership of Toyota and the Arbor Day Foundation. It is one of 13 Illinois institutions to make the latest list.

Tree Campus USA recognizes college and university campuses engaged in effective management of their campus trees as well as development of connectivity with the community beyond campus borders to foster healthy, urban forests. Recognized institutions also strive to engage their student population in these efforts by utilizing service learning opportunities centered on campus and community forestry efforts.

Institutions must meet the following five standards in order to qualify for Tree Campus USA status:

• A campus tree advisory committee — comprised of student, faculty, facilities and community representation — is to be organized and should meet regulary. Other student groups or university personnel can also participate.
• A campus tree care plan must exist — flexible enough to fit the campus' needs and circumstances, but also goal-oriented and providing the opportunity to set good policy and clear guidance for planting, maintaining and removing trees. It should also provide education to the campus community, citizens, contractors and consultants about the importance of the campus forest and the protection/maintenance of trees as part of the growth and land development process.
• A college campus, to be designated a Tree Campus USA, must allocate finances for its annual campus tree program. Evidence should be shown that an annual work plan has been established and expenditures dedicated towards that work plan. It is suggested, but not mandatory, that campuses work towards an annual expenditure of $3 per full-time enrolled student.
• An Arbor Day observance is required, providing a golden opportunity to educate the campus community on the benefits of the trees on their campus property and in the community. The Arbor Day observance can be on the campus or held in conjunction with the community in which the campus is located.
• A service learning project must be conducted, serving as an outreach of the spirit of the Tree Campus USA initiative. This project should provide an opportunity to engage the student population with projects related to trees and can be part of a campus or community initiative. The project must be done within the course of the year application is submitted.