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Campus News

Tree Campus USA


2/5/13
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a Tree Campus USA for the first time, the Arbor Day Foundation announced today.

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. Toyota helped launch the program and continues its generous financial support this year.

Minnesota West Community and 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 toward trees, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning projects.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said John Rosenow, founder and 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 all of us.”

“Toyota is so proud to support a program that we believe has a tremendous impact on both reducing the environmental footprint of a college campus and inspiring college students to become the conservation leaders of the future”, said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of National Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation.

Dr. Ric Shrubb, Minnesota West Community & Technical College president, notes, “I am massively proud of all five of our campuses for achieving Tree Campus USA status! This is a huge accomplishment for each of the campuses individually, let alone the college collectively.”