ODU named a 'Tree Campus'

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Old Dominion University in Norfolk has been designated a 'Tree Campus'.

The Arbor Day Foundation notified the university this month about the recognition. "Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship," wrote Mary Widhelm, program manager with the Arbor Day Foundation.

In order to earn the 'Tree Campus' status, a college or university must manage its resources of campus trees, develop connectivity beyond campus borders to foster healthy urban forests and strive to engage its student population through learning opportunities centered on campus and community forestry efforts.

"What people might not realize about ODU's urban location is that we are a campus with a burgeoning urban forest and an abundance of flora and fauna within a city location," said Chad Peevy, ODU grounds manager.

ODU has an Arbor Day celebration planned for April 20. Volunteers will plant trees across campus. To participate in the Arbor Day event contact volunteer@odu.edu .