For the fourth consecutive year, Texas Christian University has earned Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation. This designation demonstrates the university’s commitment to effectively manage trees, develop connectivity with communities beyond campus to foster urban forests and engage students in service-learning opportunities centered on forestry efforts.
Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. To obtain this distinction, TCU met the five core standards for an effective campus forest management:
- Establishment of a campus tree advisory committee
- Evidence of a campus tree-care plan
- Dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program
- An Arbor Day observation
- Sponsorship of student service-learning projects
TCU values its diverse species of trees and its sustained commitment to maintaining and restoring campus ecosystems. Director of Facilities Operations, Dick Bryan, and his team maintain and protect approximately 3,200 trees. These trees truly make a positive impact on the overall attractiveness and charm of our campus and provide much-needed shade.