WT Recognized by Arbor Day Foundation for Conservation Efforts

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University has been lauded for its sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.

WT recently was recognized as a 2019 Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The recognition is part of a national program launched by the foundation in 2008 that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

“We celebrate your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at West Texas A&M University in 2019,” foundation president Dan Lambe wrote in a letter to WT President Walter Wendler. “We know that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges — but you have shown that your commitment to trees is unwavering.”

WT met five core standards to merit the distinction: establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program and sponsorship of student service leadership projects.

“We are proud to receive this honor, and not only because it reflects our commitment to being good, responsible stewards of our beautiful corner of the Texas Panhandle,” said grounds manager Larry Bedwell. “We also know that students and faculty decide within the first 15 minutes of a visit to campus whether to join the university family, so a dedication to campus beautification also is an investment in our future. Plus, a sustainable campus beautification effort can be a source of inspiration having a positive impact on student behavior and academic performance.”

The Tree Campus USA program was rebranded as Tree Campus Higher Education for 2020 and beyond.

Responsiveness to the Texas Panhandle’s geography makes WT distinctive and ties into the University’s generational plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 38 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972 — the centennial of the first Arbor Day observance — the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. More than 1 million members, supporters, and valued partners have helped us plant more than 350 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world to ensure a greener and healthier future for everyone.

—WTAMU—