The University of Oklahoma Norman campus was recently honored with 2022 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation. This program celebrates colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
"The university deeply values trees across our campus for both the beauty and environmental benefits they provide,” said Matthew Rom, OU Facilities Management associate vice president. “This award from the Arbor Day Foundation is well-deserved recognition for the many individuals that work every day to enhance OU’s aesthetic with the proper balance and care of trees.”
To receive this recognition, the university must have a tree advisory committee and a campus tree care plan, invest in campus trees, celebrate trees every Arbor Day, and have students use trees in service learning. In 2022, the OU Facilities Management Landscape Division and the Campus Tree Advisory Committee organized 400 volunteer hours from student and civic organizations, planted 15 new trees, and pruned 900 trees. Just over 200 trees were removed due to damage or disease. The total number of trees on campus now stands at approximately 12,000.
“Trees are an integral part of campus, and we are gracious for the university’s support to ensure we continue to be an official Tree Campus,” Rom said. “It is truly fulfilling to see the campus community enjoy the many trees on campus and be able to include them in our planning and processes with various service and learning projects.”
OU Facilities Management will observe Arbor Day on the Norman campus by planting a tree at 10:30 a.m. on April 28 at a location to be determined. The OU community is invited to watch the tree planting. More information will be provided on the department’s website closer to the event date.
To read the full Facilities Management Campus Tree Care Plan and learn more about tree maintenance on campus, visit the OU Facilities Management website.
