Caring for our trees
UVA earns Tree Campus USA recognition
The University of Virginia recently earned the 2018 Tree Campus USA designation. This Arbor Day Foundation program honors universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
“A lot of people aren’t aware of the value that trees provide for us,” explained Facilities Management Landscape Services Supervisor Senior Kevin Beal. In addition to providing oxygen for us to breathe, trees filter pollutants out of the air and stormwater, reduce cooling energy needs and support wildlife habitats. “We have a lot to owe to the trees.”
The Tree Campus USA recognition highlights UVA’s role as stewards of its trees and the extensive benefits they provide to everyone on Grounds, according to Beal, who is a certified arborist. Beal applied for the designation on behalf of the University, providing the required information about UVA’s existing tree care programs.
The designation is awarded based on five core standards for sustainable campus forest management, including a tree advisory committee, a University-wide tree-care plan and dedicated funds, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects. Currently there are 364 campuses across the United States with this recognition.
UVA Landscape Services provides for the full range of care of more than 10,000 trees across the University’s Grounds. There are more than a thousand acres of woodland across all local land owned by UVA and the UVA Foundation, with approximately 50 percent of tree canopy coverage on all of Grounds and 30 percent coverage within the developed areas.
Jane Centofante
Communications senior generalist
UVA Facilities Management
(434) 982-5846
janecentofante@virginia.edu