Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes GTC With Tree Campus USA

From Gwinnett Technical College: For the ninth consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Gwinnett Technical College with the Tree Campus USA® designation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Gwinnett Technical College achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’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 student service-learning project.

Currently, only 296 campuses across the United States have this distinction. Just 17 campuses in Georgia received this honor, and Gwinnett Technical College is one of only three technical colleges in the state named to the 2016 list.

Scott Mitchell, Gwinnett Tech’s Grounds Manager and Campus Arborist (ISA SO-6003A) says proudly, “What a tremendous accomplishment this is for our College! Through a great relationship between Gwinnett Tech Grounds and the Horticulture program, our campus landscape has truly evolved. Since our initial accreditation as a Tree Campus USA in 2008, both departments have worked together to continually improve our campus aesthetics. Through our commitment to a strong landscape management plan, we continue to plant more trees each year and remain dedicated to maintaining the overall health of our existing tree canopy. Through education, proper pruning, fertilization and constant monitoring of our trees, we certainly have a campus we all can be proud of.”

Tree Campus USA, supported by a generous grant from Toyota, recognizes campuses that effectively manage their campus trees, develop connectivity with the community beyond campus borders to foster healthy urban forests, and strive to engage their student population through service learning opportunities centered on campus and community forestry efforts. “Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.” Aaron Poulsen, horticulture program director at Gwinnett Tech shares, “The students, staff and faculty of the Horticulture Department are proud to fly the Tree Campus USA® flag. This designation allows us to promote the importance of our community’s tree canopy and host various events for the tree care industry, Georgia Urban Forestry Council and our partners at the Georgia Forestry Commission.”

Gwinnett Technical College offers an associate degree and a diploma program in Environmental Horticulture, plus certificate options that train students for employment as landscape design technicians, landscape installation technicians, sustainable farmers and floral designers. To learn more about Gwinnett Tech’s nationally acclaimed horticulture programs, visit gwinnetttech.edu/programs/horticulture/.

Image Courtesy Of Gwinnett Technical College