Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been recognized as a Tree Campus Higher Education by the Arbor Day Foundation. The university earned the honor for its commitment to effective urban forest management and achievements in best tree management practices.
“Purdue Northwest takes great pride in this recognition,” said John Bachmann, grounds and landscape manager at Purdue University Northwest. “We value our trees and what they provide not only to the campus community but our community at large. Our campuses provide a sense of comfort and a welcoming environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.”
The recognition encompasses the Purdue Northwest Hammond and Westville campuses, as well as the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, and makes PNW one of only 403 universities across the nation to earn this distinction.
“We’re proud the arboretum can lead the charge for the Purdue Northwest campuses in meeting the five required standards for this designation,” stated Stephanie Blackstock, executive director of the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest. “We are eager to continue collaborating with the campus community on projects related to this designation and plan to maintain it into perpetuity.”
The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. PNW achieved the title by meeting the organization’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a 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 Purdue Northwest’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty trees provide.”
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest will be celebrating Arbor Day with several events and service-learning projects throughout the month of April. All three PNW locations will host tree planting ceremonies on Arbor Day, Friday, April 30, with the arboretum sponsoring a sunset hike that evening.
“A commitment to trees is a commitment to the future,” Bachmann said. “To plant a tree is to see and believe in the future.”
For more information on the Arbor Day events planned at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest this month, visit www.pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum.
