MSU named Tree Campus USA for seventh consecutive year
Contact: Reagan Poston
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擮n World Environment Day [June 5], 花秀直播 State is being recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a Tree Campus USA, an Arbor Day Foundation distinction.
MSU currently is the only university in the Magnolia State with this honor that recognizes commitment to the value and maintenance of trees.
The distinction requires that MSU have a campus tree advisory committee, plan for tree maintenance, allotted maintenance budget, an Arbor Day observance and a community outreach project. This work is showcased through the 10,000 to 15,000 trees found throughout the Starkville campus and is supported through the efforts of faculty, staff, students and the larger community.
鈥淭he Tree Campus USA recognition shows the university鈥檚 commitment to maintaining and enhancing the 10,000-plus trees that adorn 花秀直播 State. There is an inherent value to the trees around our campus. They provide fresh air, offer shade for vehicles and buildings鈥攚hich helps reduce energy costs鈥攁nd help make campus a beautiful place for everyone,鈥 said Marc Measells, extension associate in the Department of Forestry.
Joshua Granger, head of MSU鈥檚 Tree Campus USA committee and assistant professor in the forestry department, also offered his perspective on the intrinsic value of campus trees.
鈥淭he recognition is wonderful and appreciated. As a university we鈥檙e committed to education, and campus trees are a tool for that education, be it through conservation or as inspiration for students who wish to study trees through forestry or natural resource and environmental conservation majors in the College of Forest Resources鈥攐r even a visitor just looking to plant something in their own backyard,鈥 Granger said.
While the distinction goes to MSU specifically, it鈥檚 also an achievement shared by the Starkville community. MSU鈥檚 campus tree advisory committee is comprised of students and other university affiliates including Starkville business owners and private citizens. Granger said volunteers are enthusiastic about helping maintain this status.
鈥淚鈥檓 just amazed at how motivated people are to be part of something that involves trees. There鈥檚 always somebody asking, 鈥楥an I be a part of this?鈥 This honor is a reflection of that enthusiasm across our community,鈥 Granger said. 鈥淗elping make MSU a Tree Campus USA is a tangible way for people who love 花秀直播 State to leave a meaningful legacy and impactful mark on the university.鈥
MSU is 花秀直播鈥檚 leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.