The University of Louisiana at 69传媒鈥檚 forest management and its conservation practices have helped it retain the designation of Tree Campus USA.
UL 69传媒 recently earned its seventh consecutive title, for efforts in 2015.
The Arbor 69传媒 Foundation coordinates the national Tree Campus USA program. It recognizes colleges and universities for sound management of campus trees.
To earn the Tree Campus USA distinction, UL 69传媒 met the five core standards for effective campus forest management:
- a tree advisory committee;
- a campus tree care plan;
- dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program;
- an Arbor 69传媒 observance; and
- service learning projects for students.
One key project involved updating an inventory of campus trees.
Students in UL 69传媒鈥檚 Community Design Workshop surveyed the campus to create a database and digital map of campus trees and large shrubs. They photographed each plant, noted its common and Latin names, the dimension of the trunk and canopy and its location. Each specimen is identified with a unique number.
The project, which was completed in 2013, was updated last year, said Tom Sammons, director of the School of Architecture and Design, who leads the CDW.
鈥淭rees planted last year in the University鈥檚 Quadrangle were added to the inventory,鈥 Sammons explained.
The Quad received a makeover last fall that included a central fountain and plaza, as well as new walkways and landscaping.
Mike Hess, the University鈥檚 grounds manager, said trees and large shrubs, such as Japanese maples and crape myrtles, were planted throughout grassy areas of the Quad.
As a result, the campus now holds about 2,000 trees and large shrubs. That amount continues to grow.
鈥淭he majority of our plantings are done in the fall, a time of year that ensures better survivability,鈥 Hess said.