TN Tech Uses Designation to Maintain Campus Trees

The Arbor Day Foundation has designated Tennessee Technological University as a Tree Campus USA.

Provost Dr. Lori Bruce said the designation sets Tennessee Tech apart for its forest management.

“What it really does it basically sends a message both internally and externally that we are a campus that cares about green spaces,” Bruce said. “That we care about having trees on campus, healthy trees, a variety of trees.”

Tennessee Tech celebrated the Tree Campus USA designation in front of one of the campus’s oldest trees. (Photo: TN Tech)

Bruce said various old trees still thrive on campus.

“We think about what all those trees have seen over the hundreds of years they have been here. We really want to make sure that we keep those trees healthy,” Bruce said. “And so that everyone can enjoy those trees. But also, having a comprehensive plan of how we can add more trees to campus and open up more green spaces.”

Tree Campus USA requires Tech to maintain a tree advisory committee, an annual operating budget, and a comprehensive care plan for trees on campus.

Bruce said Tech wishes to plant more trees with the help of Associate Vice President of Facilities Craig Short.

“We have a brand-new Associate Vice President for facilities who has come to campus. And I know this is an area that he has a lot of knowledge and experience in,” Bruce said. “So we will really be looking to him for a lot of leadership on this.”

Bruce said the Sustainable Campus Committee will spearhead many tree-related projects to come as well.

‘But beyond trees, I mean, we have bike-share programs and recycling programs, solar power picnic tables and water bottle refill stations,” Bruce said. “So the Sustainable Campus Committee is very active.”

Bruce said the foundation recognized Tech for the first time on the 30th anniversary of Cookeville’s Tree City USA designation.

“And so I think this is a great example where campus has partnered with the city. And we have looked at the city and something they have been doing,” Bruce said. “And we have really taken that to heart. and try to follow in those same footsteps.”

The recognition also marked the completion of a project which planted 270 trees on campus.