Hannibal-LaGrange University will hold an Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 6, at 10 am in front of the Roland Library to plant two trees and celebrate being named a Tree Campus USA® institution for 2017, the fifth year in a row that HLGU has earned this designation.
Tree Campus USA® is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and to engage staff and students in conservation goals. Hannibal-LaGrange University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s 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. Currently there are 344 campuses across the United States with this recognition.
“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.”
Two sugar maples are being planted in front of the Roland Library to honor Dr. David Pelletier, vice president emeritus for academic administration. An additional two London plain and two Kentucky coffee trees will be planted on campus as well.
I’m very pleased with HLGU’s Tree Campus Committee and their commitment to maintain the campus tree plan and continue to increase the number of trees on our campus for our students, faculty, and staff to enjoy,” said Betty Anderson, vice president for business and finance.
This year’s Arbor Day ceremony will also include a reading of HLGU’s Arbor Day Proclamation. This proclamation is read every year on Arbor Day as part of HLGU’s application to remain a Tree Campus USA. In addition, Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President, along with Mrs. Betty Anderson, Hannibal Mayor James Hark, and Kristy Trevathan, a representative from the Hannibal Tree Board, will speak at the ceremony.
For more information on the Arbor Day Celebration, or on how to become a supporter of HLGU’s tree campaign, contact Mrs. Anderson at 573-629-3093, or via email at banderson@hlg.edu.