Tree Campus USA
Tree Campus USA supports colleges and universities in caring for campus trees, involving students in hands-on stewardship, and building tree programs recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (Certification and yearly recertification)
Funding Amounts: Recognition and award materials; campuses must document dedicated annual tree-program expenditures
Summary: Tree Campus USA recognizes colleges and universities that care for campus trees and involve students in tree stewardship.
Key Information: Applicants must meet five campus tree-program standards to earn recognition.
Description
Tree Campus USA, also called Tree Campus Higher Education, is an Arbor Day Foundation national recognition program for two- and four-year accredited colleges and universities. It provides a framework for planting, caring for, and celebrating campus trees while involving students in hands-on stewardship. Its five standards address campus tree leadership, planning, annual expenditures, Arbor Day observance, and student service-learning.
In Rhode Island, the Department of Environmental Management’s Urban and Community Forestry Program helps campuses pursue recognition. It reviews and approves applications, forwards successful submissions to the Arbor Day Foundation for final review, and distributes award materials. By invitation, the program can also present awards at Arbor Day events.
