DES MOINES –  The University of Northern Iowa was recently honored with the 2024 Tree Campus USA Award at the Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on April 3 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

 

“The Tree Campus USA award is a symbol for universities and colleges who continually strive to educate and engage their students and surrounding community about the benefits of trees and exhibit excellence in their tree management,” says State Forester Jeff Goerndt. “Your campus has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa colleges and universities, by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations."

 

University of Northern Iowa is one of only 10 Tree Campus USA award winners in Iowa. To receive the award, a campus must, at a minimum, have a campus Tree Advisory Committee, a tree care plan, a tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an annual Arbor Day observance and a service learning project to engage the student body.