College officials plant a tree in the Lower Courtyard on Nov. 1, 2018, in honor of Arbor Day.
Eastfield College has been recognized for the sixth consecutive year as a Tree Campus USA for its commitment to effective urban forest management.The designation is awarded by the national Arbor Day Foundation to colleges and universities that effectively management their campuses' trees and engage employees and students in conservation goals."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 your school's participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and your students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide."Eastfield holds its Arbor Day ceremony each November. The college's volunteer Sustainability Team leads conservation efforts on campus and participates in community events. "This is fantastic news," said Eastfield President Eddie Tealer. "What a nice recognition for the continued hard work for our sustainability initiatives."Eastfield achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA's five standards:- Maintain a tree advisory committee
- Adopt a campus tree-care plan
- Dedicate annual expenditures for the campus tree program
- Hold an Arbor Day observance
- Engage students in a service-learning project
"It is a remarkable achievement for Eastfield College to be recognized for six consecutive years beginning in 2013 by Tree Campus USA as a Designated Tree Campus," said Dr. Terrance Wickman, chairman of the college's Sustainability Team. "Students, faculty, staff, and our community helped make this event possible. Special thanks is extended to Mr. Michael Brantley, Mr. Cliff Mauvais, and Dr. Brenda Floyd, who have been instrumental with this significant accomplishment."
Currently there are 364 campuses across the United States with this recognition.The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $51 million in campus forest management last year. More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.For information on Eastfield's Sustainability Team, contact terrancewickman@dcccd.edu.