Penn College Attains ‘Tree Campus USA’ Recognition

Pennsylvania College of Technology has been honored with “Tree Campus USA” recognition for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging employees and students in conservation goals.

“This collaborative effort from the forestry, horticulture and General Services departments highlights the college’s commitment to the environment and maintaining a beautiful campus,” said Brett A. Reasner, dean of transportation and natural resources technologies.

Penn College achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards: 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.

A total of 254 campuses across the United States have been recognized in similar fashion. National Arbor Day is being celebrated Friday, April 29.

“Gaining the recognition of Tree Campus USA lets everyone know that we are committed to the trees on our campus and in the community,” said Carl J. Bower Jr., a member of the college’s horticulture faculty. “Not only is the commitment felt within the horticulture and forestry curriculums, but campuswide through the General Services staff that help keep the campus looking great. We are proud to help educate others of the benefits of trees.”

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $36.8 million in campus forest management last year.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”

For more information about forest technology and landscape/horticulture technology majors in the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, call 570-327-4516.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.