The University of Alabama has earned the distinguished designation of being named a “Tree Campus USA” for the fourth consecutive year.
“Congratulations to The University of Alabama for earning 2018 Tree Campus USA recognition,” said Lauren Weyers, program coordinator for Arbor Day. “If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time.
“Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being and energy use. The University of Alabama is stepping up to do its part. As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you are helping to provide a solution to these global challenges.”
Donna McCray, senior director of facilities operations and grounds use, said they’re elated about once again receiving the designation.
“It gives credence to one of the things we hold in high esteem here at the University, which is the canopy and our urban forest,” McCray said. “We want to be sustainable in everything that we do so that those who come after us will enjoy what we’re doing now.
“That’s why whenever we remove a tree if we cannot save it, we replace it with at least five, but often it’s with 10 trees.”
To obtain this distinction, which is only given to accredited colleges and universities, UA met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA:
- Establishment of a tree advisory committee.
- Evidence of a campus tree-care plan.
- Dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program.
- An Arbor Day observance.
- The sponsorship of student service-learning projects.
In 2018, UA grounds and construction crews planted 325 trees on campus and transplanted 19 trees from one location on campus to another, bringing the total number of trees on campus to more than 10,000.
The Capstone’s plethora of trees is comprised of more than 60 different types. McCray said oaks and magnolias are the most prevalent, and a Chinese pistache tree, which was a gift from the queen of England in the mid-1800s, is the rarest.
The 125-year-old champion pistache was the center of last year’s student service-learning project, sponsored by Delta Tau Delta. Members of the fraternity helped the grounds and forestry team re-mulch and trim it, as well as clean around it.
Students volunteered a total of 36 hours in connection with UA’s trees in 2018.
The University just finished updating its strategic landscape and grounds master plan and policy, which includes the tree policy.
UA held its Tree Campus USA-required Arbor Day celebration early in 2018 with the planting and replanting of 128 crepe myrtle trees gifted from the city. This year’s Arbor Day celebration will be held in the spring at the Park at Manderson Landing where trees will be replanted.
“Our wonderful urban forest is a great recruiting tool and it makes our campus more beautiful,” McCray said.