University of Redlands Honored By Arbor Day Foundation

REDLANDS, CA -- The University of Redlands has received the latest annual Tree Campus USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

The university has received the recognition each year since the national program launched in 2009 and is one of only two private universities in Southern California to earn the latest designation, which is for the year 2018, the U of R revealed July 17.

“It’s been an honor to be recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for the last 10 years as a Tree Campus USA,” Tony Mueller, director of community service learning at University of Redlands, said. “We follow in the steps of the City of Redlands, a Tree City USA, and work with arborists to ensure the health of our trees."

“This is a community that loves trees,” Mueller added. “When we lose one, especially one of the large oaks, it’s noticeably gone. That’s why each year our facilities grounds crew and the Community Service Learning Office plants trees to provide shade for years to come.”

The university, which boasts more than 3,000 trees on its 160-acre main campus, earned the recognition by meeting the Tree Campus USA’s five standards: maintaining a tree advisory committee, drafting a campus tree-care plan, dedicating annual expenditures for its campus tree program, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project.

"We celebrate your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at University of Redlands," Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe wrote in a congratulatory letter to the university. "Your entire campus community should be proud of your sustained commitment to environmental stewardship."