VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s commitment to effective urban forest management resulted in a sixth Tree Campus USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation.

VSU commemorated the occasion with an Arbor Day Ceremony at 10 a.m., Feb. 15, at the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Center for Applied Creativity and Innovation, located in Martin Hall at the intersection of Patterson Street and Jane Street, according to university officials.

The Arbor Day Ceremony included a tour of the STEAM Center for Applied Creativity and Innovation and demonstrations of how trees are involved in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. 

Participants learned what it takes to achieve the Tree Campus USA designation and the work behind maintaining VSU’s urban forest and why the efforts are important to the university. 

“Each year it takes the combined effort and support of the entire campus community and the surrounding City of Valdosta to make sure VSU’s urban forest is preserved and enhanced,” shared Monica Haynes, superintendent of landscape and grounds at VSU.

Haynes thanked every member of Blazer Nation for helping the university’s grounds maintenance team “maintain, preserve, and protect the trees and landscaping” and credited Kevin Jenkins, City of Valdosta arborist; Dr. Emily Cantonwine, VSU Department of Biology professor, and her horticulture students; Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president; and the campus beautification and stewardship committee with providing “all of the support in making sure VSU can continue to receive the Tree Campus USA designation.”