by Amy K. Lavender
For the fourth year in a row, the University of West Georgia has earned a Tree Campus USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota. The national program was launched in 2008 to promote healthy trees on college campuses and engage students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
James Hembree, center, and Will Hembree, right, set Western Red Cedars next to Slender Silluette Sweetgums along UWG’s property line at University Stadium. The cedars are natives to the United States and drought tolerant. The Sweetgums are natives to the Southeast and are drought and disease resistant.
To obtain this distinction, UWG has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including 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, and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects.
During UWG’s Arbor Day observance this year, which included the planting of 100 trees at the university’s stadium, UWG Grounds Superintendent of Horticulture and Landscape James Hembree highlighted the importance of such efforts.
“When the students come out and participate, they gain a better understanding for the reason behind the plantings,” he said. “For example, this particular one is to define the space around the barbecue area and provide a screen between the parking lot and the road. Later on, we’ll come back and show students the importance of mulch and how these trees help prevent erosion.”
UWG plans several student service-learning projects throughout the year, including a vegetable garden planting, a river clean up along the Chattahoochee River, a Monarch butterfly garden planting, a litter clean up day along the Carrollton GreenBelt, and a career panel featuring local leaders in conservation and sustainability.
James said these activities not only influence current students’ perspective of conservation, they also promote pride of place and noticeable curb appeal, recommending UWG to future students.
“Curb appeal is very important,” James said. “It can set the tone for a whole visit. When you come to a campus that is well maintained, litter free and has nice, stately trees, it is a welcoming feeling. […] That first impression is very important.”
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, UWG has definitely made an impression.
“Your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at the University of West Georgia contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world for us all,” said Mary Sweeney, Arbor Day Foundation program manager, in UWG’s award letter. “Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.”
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