Tree Campus Higher Education Program: Iowa Grant

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, promotes environmental stewardship on college campuses across Iowa. By achieving national recognition, universities can enhance their community forests and foster a culture of sustainability. This program encourages students' involvement in tree-related activities, which not only beautify the campus but also provide significant mental health benefits and combat climate change. Participating institutions can access resources and support to create a greener and healthier campus environment.

NOTE: If the deadline to apply for your state has passed, please reach out to your state coordinator for a deadline extension
The Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation works to connect opportunities, people, and organizations to plant trees and forests to help solve some of the most critical issues facing our planet.
No matter where you’re from, trees and green space are an integral part of the college experience. They make campuses more livable, healthy, and beautiful, benefiting students and the environment as a whole.
Tree Campus Higher Education was founded to foster that tradition of excellence. The program provides a simple framework for colleges and universities to grow their community forests, achieve national recognition, and create a campus their students and staff are proud of.
Why should my school participate?
A commitment to trees can significantly reduce the amount of energy your campus, and community, needs to generate.Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.Green space provides important mental health benefits to students, faculty, and staff, as well as encourages physical activity.Involving students in tree-related service-learning projects helps educate the next generation about the importance of caring for the environment.
Recognition also builds pride among your campus and the wider community. We make it easy for you to share your designation, sending flags, press releases, logos and graphics, and other materials after your acceptance.

Eligibility

Your college or university campus can receive annual Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by meeting five overarching standards (additional details here).A Campus Tree Advisory CommitteeA Campus Tree Care PlanCampus Tree Program with Dedicated Annual ExpendituresArbor Day observanceService Learning Project