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Colorado Mesa University received a very special recognition as Tree Campus USA from the Arbor Day Foundation. Although CMU has been an official Tree Campus since 2014, it has also planted over 30 trees since then. This honor is a reflection of not only the students, but also the community working together to grow and care for trees.
In late October, President Foster received a notification from the President of the Arbor Day Foundation that CMU had acquired the renewed distinction.
“We’re pleased but not surprised by the recognition,” Foster said. “Creating healthy, livable green space for our students and community makes CMU a more desirable place to learn, live and work.”
What many students do not know is that CMU has two prize winning trees on campus as well. One of those trees is a Cypress tree that is located on the south side of the Residence Life building. Steve Roesch, from the University of Wisconsin, had requested to have some seeds from CMU’s prize winning Arizona Cypress tree.
“So far my efforts to grow Arizona Cypress has been difficult, and I have little success in propagation of the cypress by cuttings or seeds. I still have 100% confidence it is possible to find hardy individuals that will grow in the Midwest. The difficulties are very many. There is no real information on the exact details how to propagate cuttings or seeds, so many trials are needed and many failures will happen before there is success. I would certainly like to try cuttings/seeds of the CMU Arizona Cypress again!” Roesch said.
The Arbor Day Foundation established Tree Campus USA in 2008 as a way to recognize two and four year universities and colleges for their excellence in the care and management of the trees. To receive this distinction, each school must show that they have a Tree Campus Advisory Committee that is comprised of students, community members and a facilities staff member. Each school must also show that they have a tree care plan and expenditures that are dedicated to the care of the trees on their campus. Last of all, participation in the Arbor Day practices and service projects are a requirement as well for being part of the Tree Campus USA program.
“It’s also important to acknowledge all we do to create and sustain desirable campus landscaping. The Arbor Day Designation reflects the values of CMU leadership, faculty, staff and students,” Foster said.