Campus honored for care of its 5,300 trees

UIC and its trees were honored by the Arbor Day Foundation. Photo: Joseph Horejs

This is the fourth year that UIC has been honored. Photo: Joseph Horejs

For the fourth year in a row, UIC and its 5,300 trees have received a prestigious award.

UIC was named a Tree Campus USA, an honor bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation.

“It recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage their trees, promote student involvement and develop connectivity with the surrounding community through forestry efforts,” said Cynthia Klein-Banai, associate chancellor for sustainability.

Each year, about 200 campuses nationally receive the honor.  To achieve recognition, “you have to demonstrate compliance with five standards and report on finances related to tree care,” Klein-Banai said.

UIC won the award for its campus tree advisory committee, tree care plan, dedicated tree expenditures, Arbor Day observance and service learning projects. The campus has more than 100 species of trees.

Because of UIC’s sustained excellence as a Tree Campus USA, UIC has received more than $10,000 in the value of new trees and support for Office of Sustainability volunteers from the Arbor Day Foundation.