The Arbor Day Foundation awarded Kent State with Tree Campus USA designation for a fifth consecutive year.

The award was created in 2008 to recognize universities across the U.S. for strong forest management and engaging conservation goals. The following are the five standards universities must meet to receive the award:

– Maintain a tree advisory committee

– Develop a campus tree-care plan

– Host student service-learning projects

– Dedicate some annual spending toward trees

– Host Arbor Day observances

Both Kent State and Kent State Stark received Tree Campus USA recognition in 2011.

Heather White, grounds manager of University Facilities Management, said in a press release that even before the Tree Campus USA award started, the university was committed to maintaining and replacing its trees.

“As the Tree Campus USA award becomes much more recognizable nationally, it will demonstrate that Kent State has a long commitment to maintaining infrastructure of the land,” White said in a press release to the university.

Megan Wilkinson is an assigning editor with the Daily Kent Stater

Contact Megan Wilkinson at [email protected].