A walk around the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University provides a clear indication that the care of trees is an important aspect of the research and hands-on opportunities undertaken by students and faculty every semester.

 With a continued commitment to determining new and better ways to care for the campus' tree collection, Temple University Ambler, home to the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, has been awarded a "Tree Campus USA" designation by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

The Arbor Day Foundation recently announced the campus has also received the recognition for 2018.

"Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Because of your school's participation air will be purer, water cleaner and your students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide."

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Temple University Ambler achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA's five standards, which include 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.

"Through constant collaboration and communication between all members of the campus community — from visitors to facilities staff to faculty and students — we work to achieve the Tree Campus USA requirements," said Kathleen Salisbury, Director of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. "These goals not only encourage a healthy thriving tree collection but they engage the entire community in understanding the value of our canopy.

Salisbury said the campus tree collection thrives "because of a commitment from campus leadership, the volunteer efforts of the arboretum advisory committee and volunteer gardeners and the interest of our students." 

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $51 million in campus forest management last year.

"Through weekly volunteer efforts, seasonal community walks and talks, annual celebrations including Tu B'Shevat, and our gardens and grounds committee, we enhance our collection and plan for it's healthy future," Salisbury said.