WASHINGTON, PA (April 27, 2018) —Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) once again has been honored with the Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The college was one of only 16 institutions in the state of Pennsylvania to earn this designation, which is part of a national program created in 2008. Currently, 344 campuses across the United States have received this recognition.
“This is our fifth straight year earning Tree Campus USA recognition, which highlights the enduring importance of the living and learning landscape to W&J College and the community support for the Campus Arboretum. We continue to diversify the tree collection through Arbor Day plantings, tree replacements, and new construction to enhance the beauty and educational value of the collection,” said Associate Professor of Biology Jason Kilgore, Ph.D.
In honor of the recognition, the Arboretum Advisory Committee has scheduled an Arbor Day planting of Ponderosa Pine and Bristlecone Pine trees in the Rocky Mountain theme bed near the Admission House, which was established during last year’s Arbor Day celebration. The planting will take place Friday, April 27, from 1-3 p.m.
Washington & Jefferson 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 a student service-learning project. W&J has been recognized every year it has applied for the honor.
Dr. Kilgore also was recognized by The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania (GCFP) for his work with developing and leading tours of the Campus Arboretum at their annual convention. The club presented him their GCFP Silver Seal Award, which was promoted by the Martha Washington Garden Club in Washington, PA.
Dr. Kilgore started W&J’s Campus Arboretum six years ago after previously being involved with Michigan State University’s arboretum. Working with students, he created two databases identifying types of trees on campus and their location, with notes of what trees have been added and removed from the grounds.
The Campus Arboretum now encompasses the entire 85 acres of urban campus and athletic facilities and features 1,200 trees from 83 different species. The Arboretum Advisory Committee meets twice a year to make decisions about the arboretum’s presence on campus and what progress will be made.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
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