The Arbor Day Foundation has honored Denison University with 2017 Tree Campus USA® recognition for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This marks the eighth consecutive year for this recognition.
“This designation is a part of our overall commitment to sustainability,” said Jeremy King, the campus sustainability coordinator. “More than 3,000 trees live on the campus proper, which doesn’t include the wooded areas or our Biological Reserve. These trees provide a habitat for birds and beneficial insects, help cool the campus in the summer, and keep winter winds in check. Denison is frequently on lists of beautiful campuses, and our magnificent trees contribute to our gorgeous landscape.”
In addition to the Tree Campus USA designation, the college also is recognized as an arboretum by ArbNet, a community of arboreta that supports the common purposes and interests of tree-focused public gardens. An interactive map of campus trees, including photos and descriptions, is available at Denison.edu/sustainability.
In 1916, the famed landscape architectural firm of Frederick Law Olmsted Sons, whose founder was the designer of New York City’s Central Park, produced an innovative design for Denison. The college maintains a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project.