Mercer is one of 344 institutions nationally to receive the Arbor Day Foundation’s 2017 Tree Campus USA recognition of the University’s commitment to effective urban forest management.
 
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Tree Campus USA honors colleges and universities not only for effective campus forest management but also for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
 
Mercer earned the designation by meeting five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project.
 
“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”