The University of Michigan has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution for the 18th consecutive year.
This recognition highlights U-M’s commitment to effective urban forestry, environmental stewardship, and the maintenance of a healthy, sustainable campus environment, marking nearly two decades of consistent recognition for campus forest management.
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This designation reflects a collaborative approach to campus stewardship led by Facilities & Operations Custodial & Grounds Services in collaboration with other university partners.
“This designation recognizes both the aesthetic and functional importance of trees to the U-M community, as well as the dedicated staff who work to keep our campus forest healthy and vibrant,” said Rob Doletzky, associate director for Grounds Services.
To earn Tree Campus Higher Education recognition, institutions must meet five core standards:
- Maintaining a tree advisory committee.
- Establishing a campus tree-care plan.
- Allocating dedicated annual funding for tree programs.
- Observing Arbor Day.
- Sponsoring student service-learning projects.
At U-M, these efforts are guided by the Campus Forest Management Plan. Grounds Services forestry teams support the long-term health of the campus forest through proactive tree maintenance, strategic planting and species selection, and a focus on age and species diversity, while also preserving existing trees.
Campus Forester, Mike Rutkofske has also led the development and ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive tree inventory, which includes more than 18,000 trees across the Ann Arbor campus.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution for the 18th consecutive year,” Rutkofske said. “Our team remains committed to maintaining a safe, diverse, and sustainable campus forest for the university community.”
Rutkofske and his team continually track tree health and other indicators to assess risk and guide management decisions. This work directly supports the university’s sustainability priorities which emphasize reforestation, landscape stewardship, and carbon reduction as part of a more resilient campus.
“These efforts reflect how everyday operations contribute to U-M’s long-term goals,” Rutkofske said. “Our campus forest plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and welcoming environment for the university community.”
Marcel Elkouri
This feels disconnected from reality – significant bulk of campus is still a select species of grass. We need more biodiversity for the insects….our own researchers in ecology have pointed this out.