The University of Iowa was recently honored with the 2023 Tree Campus Higher Education Award at the Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources April 4th at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
“The Tree Campus Higher Education award is a symbol for universities and colleges who continually strive to educate and engage their students and surrounding community about the benefits of trees and exhibit excellence in their tree management,” says State Forester Jeff Goerndt. “Your campus has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa colleges and universities, by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations."
The University of Iowa is one of only eight Tree Campus Higher Education award winners in Iowa. To receive the award, a campus must, at a minimum, have a campus Tree Advisory Committee, a tree care plan, a tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an annual Arbor Day observance, and a service learning project to engage the student body.
The Facilities Management Tree Crew contributors include:
- Mike Rhinehart, Supervisor, Landscape Construction, ISA-certified arborist and 2016 Outstanding Professional, Iowa Urban Tree Council
- Andy Dahl, Urban Forestry Supervisor and Campus Arborist, ISA-certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist and 2014 ISA National “True Professional of Arboriculture” Award Winner
- Alan Allgood, Tree Trimmer and ISA-certified Arborist
- Wayne Norman, Tree Trimmer
- Grant Raitt, Groundskeeper, Tree Trimmer