TIFTON – The campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and a number of other Georgia campuses were recognized on February 18 for their commitment to caring for and managing their trees. ABAC was honored during the 2015 State Arbor Day celebration at Wesleyan College for being one of Georgia’s “Tree Campus USA” communities. The campus also received this recognition in 2014.

ABAC replaced 19 trees as part of the newly implemented tree removal request form, resulting in the planting of 37 new trees, which helped them meet the standards necessary to be a Tree Campus USA for the 2014 year. A new 27+ acre Arboretum is currently being mapped out and developed as well.

The Tree Campus USA program, administered by the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Neb., provides the framework for community forestry management for college campuses across America that meet certain requirements. Those requirements include the establishment of a tree board, a campus tree care plan, specific spending levels for urban forestry, service learning and planned Arbor Day celebrations. There are 14 tree campuses in Georgia. Nationwide, more than 220 Tree Campus USA communities serve as home to millions of students.

Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe traveled to Georgia for the event, which also recognized Tree City USA towns and cities and Tree Line USA utilities. Due to Georgia’s ideal winter tree planting season, the third Friday in February is designated annually as Arbor Day in Georgia. Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation naming February 20 as Arbor Day in Georgia for 2015.

“Trees clean our air, filter our water, and keep us healthy by providing shade, along with countless opportunities to enjoy recreation and natural beauty,” said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “The students and faculty of ABAC can take pride in their campus leaders’ commitment to trees and forested land – on Arbor Day and every other day of the year.”

For more information about Georgia’s trees and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org. For information about becoming a Tree Campus USA and the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.
Elizabeth Stone
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Administrative Assistant – Office of Public Relations