Students and staff at Rutgers University planted trees donated by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota on the George H. Cook Campus on April 18, in celebration of the university’s commitment to tree care and conservation. Rutgers University is working toward Tree Campus USA recognition.
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The volunteer activity, in which 50 trees were planted along College Farm Road, is one of a series of hands-on tree planting events sponsored by the Foundation and Toyota during the spring of 2013.
“This Arbor Day celebration underscores our efforts to provide a well-managed campus landscape for the education and enjoyment of our students, particularly as we rebuild teaching collections in the aftermath of several storms,” said Jason Grabosky, professor of urban forestry in the Department of Ecology Evolution and Natural Resources.
The event is also supported by Alpha Kappa Alpha, the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American, college-educated women, as part of a broader campaign to recruit and train environmental leaders. Companion events include tree plantings at the University of Florida and Alabama A&M University.
“This activity provides service opportunities for student organizations, and enables the conversations of stewardship and passing along a safe and functional landscape for those students to come, which is the essence of sustainability,” added Grabosky.
Launched in 2008 with generous support from Toyota, Tree Campus USA has grown to include nearly 200 colleges and universities, and participating campuses invested $23 million in tree care last year. More information about the program is available at the Arbor Day Foundation website.