UWA’s dedication to sustainability and beautification lands national recognition
The University of West Alabama was recently recognized as a 2017 Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
UWA has received this designation since 2011, when it was one of the first institutions in Alabama to be honored.
Tree Campus USA is a national program established by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2008 to recognizes two- and four-year colleges and universities for engaging faculty, staff and students in forestry and conservation efforts.
“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.”
UWA achieved the designation 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 project.
“It’s our goal to receive this honorable designation each year,” said landscaping specialist Sam Ledbetter, who also serves as chair of UWA’s tree advisory committee. “By implementing these standards, we are creating a more sustainable and even more beautiful campus.”
In observance of Arbor Day, UWA faculty, staff and students will plant four oak trees on campus; three in front of Webb Hall and one on Foust Hall lawn.
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. For more information about the Tree Campus USA program, visit arborday.org/treecampus