Columbia State was recently honored with the 2020 Tree Campus Higher Education^®recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. 

“I am proud of this award,” said Dr. Tim Hallmark, Columbia State director of facilities services and safety. “I see it as validation of the hard work and dedication of the college’s Tree Campus Committee.”

The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Columbia State achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus Higher Education’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, and an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project.

“Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of Columbia State’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty trees provide.”

Only 10 colleges in Tennessee have received the Tree Campus USA distinction - only two are community colleges.

More information about the program is available at treecampushighered.org 

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.