A decade of dedication: WCC named Tree Campus Higher Education for 10th straight year

 

Washtenaw Community College has reached a major milestone—earning Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for the 10th consecutive year from the Arbor Day Foundation, a national honor that underscores a decade-long commitment to sustainability, stewardship and the power of trees on campus.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the state's winners in the city, higher education campus and healthcare campus categories. 

What began as a strong environmental initiative has grown into a defining part of the college’s campus experience.

“Maintaining a healthy, diverse urban forest is an investment in our entire campus community,” said WCC Landscape and Grounds Manager Holly Herman. “Reaching 10 consecutive years as a Tree Campus Higher Education site reflects the consistency and care our team brings to this work every day. Trees enhance the beauty of our campus, support environmental health and create welcoming outdoor spaces for learning and connection.”

WCC’s Landscape and Grounds team manages and maintains approximately 1,600 trees across the Ann Arbor campus, in addition to hundreds more in natural forest areas beyond the college’s 147 acres of maintained grounds. From routine care and long-term planning to thoughtful species selection, the work supports a thriving and resilient urban forest.

The Tree Campus Higher Education designation is awarded to colleges and universities that meet five core standards, including maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated funding, an annual observance and a student service-learning project.

As part of this year’s requirements, WCC hosted a display table last Earth Day that offered tree care information, shared insights about the campus urban forest and gave away 18- to 24-inch native Red Maple saplings to students and employees, helping extend the impact of its tree program beyond campus borders.

WCC is among a select group of colleges nationwide — and just seven in Michigan — to earn the distinction, which recognizes not only effective forest management but also efforts to engage students and employees in sustainability and conservation.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees play a vital role on college campuses by improving air and water quality, reducing energy costs through shade, and supporting mental and cognitive well-being. They also create inviting green spaces that foster connection, study and community.