Trees have always helped define the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus, which has just been recognized as a 2017 Tree Campus USA university.

“The canopies of trees throughout the campus add to the serenity of our campus,” said Director of Facility Support Raudel Banuelos. “I feel that the trees play a very important part of what attracts students to our campus along with the outstanding curriculum, faculty and staff.”

This is the sixth year CSUCI has won a Tree Campus designation, which means CSUCI meets the five core standards for effective campus forest management: a tree advisory committee; a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual funding for the campus tree program; an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning program.

The environmental honor comes from the Arbor Day Foundation program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“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.”

During the 2017 Earth Day celebration on April 21, CSUCI students worked with CSUCI’s grounds crew to plant five new strawberry trees and 10 Western Redbuds in the Central Mall. The students learned how to properly transplant a tree and all trees took root and are growing.

CSUCI tree advisory committee members have a five-year tree maintenance plan for fiscal year 2018/19 to safeguard against tree limb fall hazards in high-traffic areas.

CSUCI continues to practice good stewardship toward the environment by planting native trees such as coast live oak, valley oak, toyon shrubs and western sycamore. In addition, the campus continues to observe water conservation practices and reduces the use of pesticide.

CSUCI is among 344 campuses across the United States that have earned this recognition.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the U.S. plant thousands of trees and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities have invested more than $48 million in campus forest management last year. More information on the program is available at: https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CSUCI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CSUCI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.