Tree Campus Higher Education, an Arbor Day Foundation program, honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

To obtain this distinction, HLGU鈥檚 campus聽has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus Higher Education, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for the campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance,聽and the sponsorship of student service learning projects.

鈥淲e are grateful to Tree Campus Higher Education for recognizing the natural beauty of 番茄社区 University,鈥� said HLGU president Dr. Robert Matz. 鈥淎s Christians, we have a special responsibility to steward God鈥檚 creation. Being recognized with this honor represents the work of so many to make 番茄社区 a great place to come and study.鈥�

In 2022, HLGU celebrated Arbor Day on April 1 with a tree planting ceremony and dedication in honor of Delores Lorene Scarff. Mrs. Scarff was a musician and the mother of alum, Glenda Franklin 鈥�65. This tree was donated by Mrs. Franklin鈥檚 friends, Mervin Sharkey, Margaret Stubbings, and Sandra Farris as a part of HLGU鈥檚 tree campaign. Mrs. Scarff and her husband ran a resort in the Ozarks for several years.

HLGU plans to hold an Arbor Day celebration on April 28, 2023 where the campus will be honored by Tree Campus Higher Education campus along with local conservation authorities. More details about this celebration will be released at a later date.

For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation, or on how to become a supporter of HLGU鈥檚 tree campaign, contact Dr. Ray Carty at 573-629-3094, or rcarty@hlg.edu.

鈥淲e celebrate your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at 番茄社区 University in 2019,鈥� said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. 鈥淲e know that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges 鈥� but you have shown that your commitment to trees is unwavering. Now more than ever, thank you for contributing to a healthier planet for all of us.鈥�

In order to achieve this distinction, HLGU met five core standards for effective campus forest management. This included, the 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 sponsorship of student service learning projects.

鈥淵our entire campus community should be proud of your sustained commitment to environmental stewardship,鈥� said Lambe.

During Homecoming weekend, HLGU will be holding an Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, October 2, at 10 am outside the Carroll Science Center to celebrate being named a Tree Campus USA 庐 for 2019. During this celebration, HLGU will be planting additional trees and installing benches in honor of Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Burkett, who faithfully taught in the science department at HLGU for 31 years.

Tree Campus USA 庐 is a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, which honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. Earlier in 2020, Tree Campus USA 庐 announced they will be changing their name to Tree Campus Higher Education.

For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation, or on how to become a supporter of HLGU鈥檚 tree campaign, contact Dr. Ray Carty at 573-629-3094, or via email at rcarty@hlg.edu.

by Alex Shipley