Redlands, Calif. (April 27, 2012) – The University of Redlands recently earned Tree Campus USA recognition for the third year for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship, according to the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Campus USA is a national program that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy management of their campus forests and for engaging the community in environmental stewardship.

“Students throughout the country are passionate about sustainability and community improvement, which makes the University of Redlands’ emphasis on well-maintained and healthy trees so important,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

In order to receive Tree Campus USA status, Redlands met five standards of tree care and community involvement: establishment of a campus tree advisory committee; evidence of a campus tree-care plan; verification of dedicated annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan; involvement in an Arbor Day observance; and the institution of a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.

A photographic Campus Tree Tour of the University is available online and a map is also offered to guide visitors during a trip on campus.

The University’s tree advisory committee includes members from the Students for Environmental Action group, the Community Service Learning office, professors in the Environment Studies and Biology departments, Facilities Management employees, as well a member of the city of Redlands Street Tree Committee.

The campus also produces a majority of its energy, as well as heating and cooling, with its on-site co-generation plant and plants its own sustainable vegetable garden. In the University’s green residence hall, Merriam Hall, students can explore sustainable living. Its newest buildings, the Center for the Arts complex,  recently received gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its environmentally friendly features, and the Lewis Hall for Environmental Studies is a silver LEED-certified green building. 

About University of Redlands

The University of Redlands is a private liberal arts and sciences university consistently ranked among the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Since the university’s founding in 1907, Redlands has emphasized academic rigor, personal development and interdisciplinary studies. An Education + culture of elevated learning provides students with a holistic education that results in a unique life transformation. Redlands students learn equally about service, commitment, life and the world. As a pioneer in the burgeoning field of spatial learning, Redlands integrates spatial learning across academic disciplines. At the innovative Johnston Center, students have the opportunity to design their own custom major. Home to one of the oldest accredited music programs in California, the conservatory-style School of Music educates the whole musician. Adults may continue their education with programs tailored for working professionals at the Schools of Business and Education, offering evening degree-completion and graduate programs at 11 convenient Southern California locations.