Tree Campus USA

Tree Campus USA

CSUN received recognition for the first time as a Tree Campus USA in February 2015. This is a program that was developed by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota. These two organizations came together to recognized Universities that properly care for and maintain their Urban Forest. These organizations developed 5 standards that each university must meet in order to be considered for recognition as a Tree Campus USA.

Standard 1 - Campus Tree Advisory Committee

A Campus Tree Advisory Committee comprised of members representing the diverse audience of those with a stake in campus trees is established and meets regularly. While responsibility of the campus trees often ultimately lies with the campus forester, arborist, landscape architect, or designated facilities department, the Campus Tree Advisory Committee can assist in providing guidance for future planning, approval of a comprehensive campus tree plan, education of the campus population as to the benefits of the campus trees, and development of connectivity to the community.

• CSUN Tree Advisory Committee (clickable link to a page with the below info)
  • Committee Members
    • Student
      • Claudia Hasenhuttl
  • Faculty
    • Mario Giraldo
  • Facility
    • Jim Logsdon
    • Austin Eriksson
  • Community
  • Craig Crotty

Standard 2 - Campus Tree Care Plan

A Campus Tree Care Plan should be flexible enough to fit the needs and circumstances of the particular campus. The Tree Care Plan should be goal oriented and provide the opportunity to set good policy and clear guidance for planting, maintaining, and removing trees. It also provides education to the campus community, citizens, contractors, and consultants about the importance of the campus forest and the protection and maintenance of trees as part of the growth and land development process.

• CSUN Urban Forest Management Plan

Standard 3 - Campus Tree Program with Dedicated Annual Expenditures

A college campus, to be designated a Tree Campus USA, must allocate finances for its annual campus tree program. Evidence should be shown that an annual work plan has been established and expenditures dedicated towards that work plan.

It is suggested, but not mandatory, that campuses work towards an annual expenditure of $3 per full-time enrolled student.

• 2014/15 Annual Expenditures
  
  • Tree Planting and Initial Care Costs: $116,250
  • Campus Tree Management Costs: $280,000
  • Volunteer Time from Students and Civic Organizations: 2,835
  • Total Calculated Costs: $460,179

Standard 4 - Arbor Day Observance

An Arbor Day observance provides a golden opportunity to educate the campus community to the benefits of the trees on their campus property and in the community. The Arbor Day observance can be on the campus or held in conjunction with the community where the campus is located. Your event may be held at an appropriate time for your campus.

• 2014/15 Arbor Day Event Pictures

Standard 5 - Service Learning Project

The Service Learning Project should be an outreach of the spirit of the Tree Campus USA initiative. This project should provide an opportunity to engage the student population with projects related to trees and can be part of a campus or community initiative. The project must be done within the course of the year application is submitted.

• 2014/15 Service Learning Pictures

Summary

Review & Confirm Details of General Information