For the fifth time, the Arbor Day Foundation included Fordham in its list of colleges and universities recognized for their commitment to trees through Tree Campus Higher Education, a national program launched in 2008 by the foundation.
“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.
“Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall wellbeing.”
The program, which began as Tree Campus USA, honors schools that meet five core standards: establishment of a tree advisory committee, creation of a campus tree-care plan, annual funding for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and sponsorship of student service-learning projects. Fordham first began participating in the program in 2015.
The University is home to hundreds of trees, including more than 500 on the Rose Hill campus. Rose Hill boasts one of the oldest American elm trees in New York City, estimated to be 270 years old. It has towered over Cunniffe House since Fordham’s founding.
Marco Valera, vice president for administration, said the conservation efforts were an important part of Fordham’s sustainability efforts. In addition to maintaining the trees on the Rose Hill, Lincoln Center, and Westchester campuses, the University utilizes a former orchard at the Louis Calder Center in Armonk to nurture several dozen American Elms, Red Maples, Northern Red Oaks, and Japanese Maples for planting in new locations.
