Sheridan College again receives Tree Campus USA honor

Sheridan College has earned the Tree Campus USA distinction from the Arbor Day Foundation for the eighth consecutive year, celebrating the college’s commitment to tree management.

The college was the first in Wyoming to earn the recognition when the honor was given eight years ago. Currently, universities and colleges in 48 states have earned the recognition.

Zack Houck, Sheridan College grounds supervisor, said the college is maintaining its commitment to the community forest program through education, stewardship and partnerships throughout the community. He said the college campus benefits the environment and creates a sense of community and pride through the continuing efforts to preserve a legacy of trees.

The Arbor Day Foundation awards the Tree Campus USA honor to colleges and universities that meet the program’s five standards, including maintaining a tree advisory committee, developing a campus tree management plan, dedicating annual expenditures for the campus tree program, observing Arbor Day and organizing student service learning projects.

The national Tree Campus USA program started in 2008 to honor colleges and universities for effective forestry management on campuses and engaging faculty, staff and students in conservation efforts. Nationwide, Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $29 million in campus forest management last year.