(PADUCAH, Ky.) — West Kentucky Community & Technical College has achieved Tree Campus Higher Education status for the fifth straight year, the Arbor Day Foundation announced, underscoring the institution’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable campus management.
The national recognition program honors colleges and universities that meet rigorous standards for tree care and environmental engagement. WKCTC joins a select group of institutions nationwide that have demonstrated consistent dedication to maintaining healthy campus forests while educating students about environmental sustainability.
To earn the designation, institutions must fulfill five core requirements: establishing a campus tree advisory committee, developing and implementing a comprehensive tree care plan, dedicating annual funding specifically for tree management, organizing Arbor Day observances, and completing service-learning projects centered on trees and forestry.
The fifth consecutive award reflects WKCTC’s sustained investment in its campus landscape and environmental education initiatives. The program aims to enhance outdoor learning spaces while raising awareness about the ecological and community benefits of urban forests.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the Tree Campus Higher Education initiative encourages institutions to integrate natural environments into student life while establishing long-term tree care practices that benefit both campus ecosystems and surrounding communities.
The recognition comes as colleges nationwide face increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental leadership and provide students with hands-on sustainability experiences.
