President Burns Hargis and First Lady Ann Hargis plant tree

OSU honored for 7th year as Tree Campus USA

Friday, April 20, 2018

For the seventh year in a row, Oklahoma State University has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effectively manage 3,200 trees within the main campus’ 800-acre boundary.

President Burns Hargis and First Cowgirl Ann recently joined in the annual celebration of OSU’s progress by planting a Shingle Oak (quercus imbricaria) tree near Bennett Chapel on the south side of campus.

“We have 115 different species of trees on campus with 85 trees having a structural value over $15,000 each,” said Chris Martin, OSU urban forester. In addition to the oak tree near the chapel, we partnered with the OSU student chapter of the Society of American Forester’s to plant 15 trees along Ridge Road behind the facilities management building. These trees were planted to act as a windscreen and for their storm water management benefits.

OSU Landscaping Services takes the lead in planting new trees and ensuring the care of existing ones. Its latest survey of trees on campus estimates the unseen benefits of the trees, including variables such as carbon storage, water runoff control, and pollutant removal, result in a total tree structural value near $9 million.

Tree Campus USA is a national program created to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. OSU achieved the title 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 a student service-learning project.

“By earning Tree Campus USA recognition, your campus has shown its commitment to protecting and preserving its valuable tree resources and will reap their benefits for generations of students to come,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation.

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. More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.