After a year of dedication from the Campus Tree Care Plan Committee, Notre Dame has earned the title of a Tree Campus USA school. This program encourages universities to nurture and maintain healthy forests on their campuses.
Notre Dame has a story with its trees. The first survey of the campus trees took place in 1966. Since then, two additional surveys have been conducted every 25 years to keep track of the changes in the tree canopy, thanks to the efforts of Barbara Hellenthal, the curator at the Biodiversity Museum & Herbarium.
This year’s Arbor Day celebration launched Notre Dame’s Tree Campus USA initiative. Five new trees were planted around Cavanaugh Hall, led by Beau Barnett, director of landscape and grounds. Students actively joined in, making the event a community effort.
“Many of my long-tenured colleagues have said this is a first for them,” Barnett shared. “It’s exciting to be part of something new.”
All newly planted trees are native to the area. Hellenthal pointed out that native species help local wildlife thrive. “These trees support birds and insects better than non-native ones,” she explained. “An increase in native species on campus is a big priority now.”
To become a Tree Campus USA, schools must meet five specific standards laid out by the Arbor Day Foundation:
- Form a campus tree advisory committee.
- Create a campus tree care plan.
- Show dedicated funding for tree care.
- Observe Arbor Day.
- Develop a service-learning project to engage students.
Lauren Farrell, an undergraduate, co-leads the Campus Tree Care Plan Committee with Barnett. “We’ll keep meeting to ensure we meet Tree Campus USA standards and look for more ways to connect students with our trees,” she said.
The committee aims to focus on preserving trees, promoting diversity, enhancing education, and ensuring sustainability. Barnett envisions a campus where trees and people thrive together. “We want to create a beautiful and learning-friendly environment that fosters growth,” he said.
Moreover, St. Joseph County has recognized 12 Big Tree Champions on the Notre Dame campus. This year, the largest tree identified is a majestic sycamore near Corby Hall.
But the efforts don’t end here. The committee is considering pathways to achieve Level II accreditation with Arbnet, an international tree professional network based in Illinois. Community engagement is essential, and Barnett noted, “We want to involve everyone in our events to promote environmental stewardship.”
Farrell added, “This recognition is a testament to Notre Dame’s commitment to its trees and encourages the campus community to become more involved.”
With these initiatives, Notre Dame is not only enhancing its landscape but also instilling a culture of care for the environment among students and staff. This push for sustainability reflects a broader trend observed in colleges across the U.S., where awareness of environmental issues has grown significantly. In a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 83% of students reported wanting to work for companies that prioritize sustainability. As more institutions follow Notre Dame’s lead, the future looks greener for campuses nationwide.
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