Arbor Day Foundation names UHCL Pearland as 2019 Tree Campus USA

University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland has been named as a 2019 Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Foundation for its efforts in forest management and engaging the campus community in conservation.

The recognition, launched in 2008, highlights accredited universities and colleges throughout the U.S. that demonstrate dedication to the care of campus trees. The 2019 designation marks UHCL's fifth time on the list.

"UHCL Pearland is honored to share this recognition," said Kathy Dupree, executive director of campus operations at UHCL Pearland. "The City of Pearland has been named a Tree City USA for several years, so we are continuing the tradition in Pearland of fostering the responsibility and value in sustaining our campus and environment."

There were 402 Tree Campuses recognized in the U.S. in 2019. UHCL Pearland is one of 28 in Texas, the most of any state.

UHCL Pearland earned the designation by meeting five requirements, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a tree-care plan for the campus, a dedicated budget for the tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project. Dupree is already working with the City of Pearland to be recognized in 2020.

The Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than 1 million members, supporters and partners who have helped plant more than 350 million trees.