SU first HBCU in Louisiana to be named a “Tree Campus:” Plants a Legacy for the Next Generation of Jaguars

On October 16, Southern University was formally recognized by Tree Campus USA as an official “Tree Campus”. Students, faculty, administration, and representatives from Baton Rouge Green and the United States Department of Agriculture were in attendance at the ceremony, which took place in the Magnolia room of Mayberry Dining Hall.
Tree Campus USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, which recognizes college campuses that manage on-campus trees, engage the student population and community with forestry efforts, and connect with the off-campus community to encourage healthy urban forests. In order for a campus to earn the title “Tree Campus”, they must meet the five requirements set by the organization, which include; a campus Tree Advisory committee, a campus tree care plan, a campus tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an Arbor Day observance, and a service learning project.
Southern is now one of five historically black colleges in the nation to have received the title of “Tree Campus”, and the first HBCU in the state of Louisiana to be selected.
“The designation is the result of hard work by our Urban Forestry program,” said acting Chancellor Flandus McClinton, “along with our strong collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service to inspire our students to understand the significance of a green environment.” finished McClinton.
After the ceremonious induction, an educational panel presented those in attendance with the topic of how trees can be a part of addressing environmental issues. SU students responded with ideas, such as planting trees that bear fruit to provide communities with fresh and healthy food. Students also brought to attention the environmental benefits of clean air and clean water.
“We all deserve to go to a school and work in a place that has a sustainable ecosystem. Having tree plantings on campus helps aid in that progress.” said Robert Chambers, a doctoral student in Southern’s Urban Forestry Program.
Volunteers organized by the Office of Student Affairs gathered on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River to take part in planting a “Centennial Tree”. The tree marks the special occasion, and the yearlong celebration of the centennial year of the campus at the Baton Rouge location. The tree itself is an 8-foot Oak, and planted near the first building built on campus after the school’s relocation in 1914.
“The significance of the location of the Centennial Tree is very important,” said professor of Urban Forestry, Dr. Kamran Abdollahi. Abdollahi is also the leader of the Urban Forestry Program on SU’s campus, which, along with the College of Sciences and Agriculture, contributed greatly to Southern being chosen for the Tree Campus recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Volunteers in attendance contributed to the total by planting over a dozen trees on the campus that morning. Along with the Centennial Tree, a total of 100 trees will be planted on the University’s campus over the next few months.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell gave his approval on Southern receiving the “Tree Campus” title, saying, “The Forest Service is proud to help support Southern University’s urban forestry training program, and I know this recognition is well deserved.”