Clarke Named Tree Campus for Third Straight Year

The National Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Forestry Bureau announced that Clarke University has received the 2013 Tree Campus USA award at the 24th Annual Urban Forestry Awards Luncheon, held at the Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston on April 3, 2014.It is the third year in a row that Clarke has been named a Tree Campus USA.Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.Clark University is one of only four Tree Campus USA award winners in Iowa. To receive the award a campus must meet the minimum requirements: a campus Tree Advisory Committee, a campus tree care plan, a campus tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an Arbor Day observance, and service learning project to engage the student body.“Clarke’s recognition as a Tree Campus USA designee reflects the deep connection the Clarke community has to our landscape,” said Clarke Director of Facilities Management Brian Schultes. “Our historic trees, heritage trees and our annual tree care program embody this connection by demonstrating our commitment to carefully steward a priceless campus feature. To be one of only a handful of schools in Iowa with this designation reflects our ambition to be sustainability leaders rather than sustainability followers.”State Forester Paul Tauke commented, “The Tree Campus USA award is a symbol for universities and colleges who continually strive to educate and engage their students and surrounding community about the benefits of trees and exhibit excellence in their tree management.”  Clarke University has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa colleges and universities, by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.”More information about the Tree Campus USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.For more information about Clarke’s award, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.