You’ve likely met Standard 1 – Campus Tree Advisory Committee! On the Tree Campus Higher Education application, you’ll document the current committee members and meeting dates within the calendar year for which you are applying.

Forming an advisory committee is the first step to recognition. Make a connection with a leader in facilities management that oversees campus tree care and express your interest in serving on a Campus Tree Advisory Committee. You can also share this flier to give them an introduction to the program.

You’ve likely met Standard 2 – Campus Tree Care Plan! Get familiar with the required components of the tree care plan here to see if your existing plan needs any additions.

Having a documented tree care plan is the second standard for earning recognition. Make a connection with a leader in facilities management that oversees campus tree care and ask if there are any existing practices in place when it comes to care of campus trees and planning for the future. Use this example tree care plan to get familiar with the required components and as inspiration for your own unique plan.

You’ve likely met Standard 3 – Campus Tree Program with Dedicated Annual Expenditures! Get familiar with the types of expenses that qualify here and begin to collect them in a list. On your annual application, you’ll list a total expense dollar amount for each of the following categories: Tree Planting and Initial Care, Campus Tree Care Management Costs, Volunteer Time (in hours), and Other Costs.

Having dedicated annual tree expenditures is the third standard for earning recognition. Consider where additional support to care for campus trees could come from — does your campus have a foundation that could support tree planting and care? Are there local grant opportunities available?

Having dedicated annual tree expenditures is the third standard for earning recognition. Make a connection with a leader in Facilities management that oversees campus tree care and ask there are annual funds set aside for tree planting and care.

You’ve likely met Standard 4 – Arbor Day Observance! On your annual application, you’ll share evidence of your observance including the date, photos and/or fliers, and social media posts. Prepare to gather these items so you’re ready to apply.

How might your campus celebrate trees in the coming year? National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, and you can find your state’s Arbor Day here. Use this Tree Celebration guide to find inspiration from other campuses.

Celebrating Arbor Day is the fourth standard for recognition. If your city is a Tree City USA, they hold an annual Arbor Day observance, which may be done in conjunction with the campus or other local organizations. Check your community’s event calendar for more information. You may also consider reaching out to your campus arboretum (if you have one) or a student sustainability organization to inquire about past or future plans.

You’ve likely met Standard 5 – Service Learning Project! On your annual application, you’ll share evidence of your service learning project, including the date, the number of students involved, a summary, and documentation such as photos. Prepare to gather these items so you’re ready to apply.

Annual service learning projects are the fifth standard for recognition. Try to learn why past tree-related service learning opportunities may no longer be available. Did an organizer of the event retire or graduate? Did the event need more support from collaborating organizations on campus or in the community? Consider asking a leader in facilities management that oversees tree care if there are opportunities for students to help prune or inventory campus trees. You could also collaborate with an Alliance for Community Trees organization in your area to identify student volunteer opportunities

Annual service-learning projects are the fifth standard for recognition. Make a connection with a faculty member involved with horticulture, forestry, landscape design, botany, biology, or a similar field, or a student who leads a campus organization dedicated to sustainability. They are likely to be aware of current or future opportunities that exist for students to get involved with tree planting or care through existing courses or campus organizations.