VWU Recognized as 2024 Tree Campus by Arbor Day Foundation (01-31-2025)
Virginia Wesleyan University has once again earned the prestigious Tree Campus recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to tree education, investment, and community engagement.
The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, awards the Tree Campus designation to colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. VWU has met the program’s rigorous standards, which include maintaining an advisory committee, implementing a campus tree care plan, verifying annual investment in tree care, celebrating Arbor Day, and engaging students through service-learning projects.
Virginia Wesleyan’s dedication to environmental sustainability is reflected in its long-standing tradition of honoring retiring faculty members by planting trees in their names—an initiative that began in 1997 and continues each spring during the University’s retirement recognition ceremonies. Many of these trees are part of the Wilson Arboretum, established in 1995 in memory of former Dean William M. Wilson.
With this recognition, VWU remains a leader in environmental responsibility, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a campus culture that values conservation, sustainability, and community engagement.