SBU Receives Top Tree Campus USA Designation by Arbor Day Foundation
Stony Brook among the Newest Class of Universities to be Selected
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STONY BROOK, May 5, 2014 — Stony Brook University has been designated a “Tree Campus USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in recognition of the university’s dedicaation to campus healthy forestry management, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
SBU earned its recognition through the implementation of five core standards that promote the health of trees and student involvement to improve their forests. The University met the standards by establishing a campus tree advisory committee that developed a plan, allotting annual expenditures and brought in community members in the observance of Arbor Day.
By introducing a Growing Red Days event last summer, Stony Brook was able to attract students to beautify the campus while teaching them important planting methodology. Last Arbor Day, Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. welcomed New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle to campus to join the University’s Sustainability program as they planted native trees provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation in the North Entrance Meadow as part of a restoration project to replace trees downed by Superstorm Sandy.
“These goals and standards helped shape and define the campus’ vision to foster a healthy, safe and beautiful tree population,” said President Stanley. “These initiatives bring together members of the campus community, and inspire them to become more involved throughout the academic year. I very much enjoy seeing our community as a whole become a better environmental citizen, and I thank those who have led the program and all who participate.”
Stony Brook has planted over 2,120 trees, saplings, bushes and perennials in the past two years and since 2006-07, has planted over 4,925 trees, saplings, bushes and perennials as a part of its planting program.
For more information about Stony Brook University’s sustainability efforts, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/sustainability/
Stony Brook Planting, By the Numbers (since academic year 2006-07)
1,223+: Trees planted
675+: Saplings planted
2,286+: Bushes planted
741+: Perennials planted
383+: Varieties of trees, bushes & perennials on campus
About Tree Campus USA
“Tree Campus USA” was started in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to promote a commitment to planting new trees and protecting existing trees on the collegiate level and has provided over 200 designations to universities across the country. This initiative has been tied to the planting of over 110,785 tree nationwide. Any college nationally can be considered for participation in the program. According to its website, over the past five years the Universities in the program have planted over 110,785 trees.
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Reporter Contact:
Alida Almonte
University Media Relations Manager
631-632-6310
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