WWU again named Tree Campus USA by Arbor Day Foundation

4/4/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

The Arbor Day Foundation has named William Woods University a 2011 Tree Campus USA in honor of its commitment to effective community forestry management. This is the second year of recognition for WWU.

"We are pleased that William Woods has achieved this honor again," Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, WWU president, said. "This is truly an appropriate designation, considering the school's nickname (The Woods) and the abundance and variety of trees on our campus."
 
William Woods University achieved the designation by meeting the required five core standards for sustainable campus forestry: a tree advisory committee, 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.
 
WWU began working toward Tree Campus USA designation in 2009 when Bill Spradley of Trees, Forests, Landscapes Inc. in Kirkwood, Mo., arranged for the donation and planting of more than 50 trees to aid in campus beautification. 
 
His daughter, Kelcie, now a WWU senior, formed a student organization called "Knowing The Woods." The organization focuses on maintaining the natural beauty of the campus through the trees.
 
Last month the Spradleys received the 2012 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence for their work toward "Re-treeing the Woods." 
 
"Students throughout the country are passionate about sustainability and community improvement, which makes the emphasis on well-maintained and healthy trees so important," said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.
                                                           
"Achieving Tree Campus USA recognition sets an example for other colleges and universities and allows students a chance to give back to both their campus community and the community at-large."
 
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.
 
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. Tree Campus USA is supported by a generous grant from Toyota.
 
During 2011, the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota helped campuses throughout the country plant 30,000 trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities have invested more than $22 million in campus forest management. More information about the Tree Campus USA program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.