Ramapo College of New Jersey has Earned 2023 Distinction
 Through the Tree Campus Higher Education Program
Ramapo College shows a dedication to including green spaces
on campus as they have proven to benefit students.

LINCOLN, Nebraska (April 4, 2024) – Ramapo College was honored with 2023 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. Its Tree Campus Higher Education program began in 2008 to encourage colleges and universities to plant trees on their campuses.

Trees on campus and in urban spaces can lower energy costs by providing shade cover, cleaner air and water, and green spaces for students and faculty. In addition, trees improve students’ mental and cognitive health, provide an appealing aesthetic for campuses, and create shaded areas for studying and gathering.

“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall wellbeing.”

The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Ramapo College achieved the distinction by meeting Tree Campus Higher Education’s five standards, including maintaining 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. Currently, there are 411 campuses across the United States with this recognition. Ramapo College is the only college or university to earn this recognition in the State of New Jersey, and this is the fourth year in a row that Ramapo College has earned this recognition.

“It’s not by accident that we have a beautiful campus as we take our responsibility to be good stewards of this land seriously so that future generations can live healthy lives here,” said Dr. Michael Yankovich, Vice President for Operational and Administrative Integration at Ramapo College. “I’m particularly proud of our tree advisory committee, which includes students, faculty, facilities management, and community members. While responsibility for campus trees ultimately lies with the facilities department, the Campus Tree Advisory Committee provides guidance for future planning, helps develop the comprehensive campus tree plan, and educates the community about the benefits of the campus trees. We have a great team that works collaboratively, and I’d particularly like to highlight the commitment and professionalism of Ed Roessler, our campus grounds manager, and Dr. Eric Weiner, associate professor of environmental science.”

More information about the program is available at treecampushighered.org.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. With a focus in communities and forests of greatest need, the Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners — has helped to plant nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries. Guided by its mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

Tree Campus Plan (PDF)