ASGCU plants trees, awaits approval as a Tree Campus Higher Ed site
Photos by Ralph Freso/GCU News
When Judah Floyd moved into The Grove freshmen residence community at Grand Canyon University as a new student, he remembered thinking to himself that the grassy area sandwiched between the residence halls could use a few more trees.
That idea came to fruition on Saturday when the Associated Students of GCU, with the help of the university’s facilities department, planted eight red push pistache trees at The Grove lawn.
“This is us turning The Grove into a grove,” the ASGCU president said with a smile.
Two days later, ASGCU recognized the planting with a celebration acknowledging the university as a tree-forward campus, with hopes that GCU might be designated a Tree Campus Higher Ed site.
Through state agencies, such as the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Arizona recognizes and supports universities that have a campus tree advisory committee, a written care plan, an annual budget dedicated to tree welfare and host student-service learning projects to teach the importance of the environment. Those universities also must set aside an observance day annually dedicated to the education of the community, highlighting those schools' efforts as tree-forward campuses.
The Arbor Day Foundation helps shape sustainable campuses through a designation known as Tree Campus Higher Education (formerly called Tree Campus USA). That designation must be renewed annually through an application process.
The foundation wants to emphasize how trees are essential for the environment. They sequester carbon dioxide, which filters air and local ground water, directly affecting the state. Trees are also are essential for climate, as they can combat extreme heat.
And they promote well-being.
Studies show that campus greenery is tied to positive mental health. According to a study in PubMed Central, an archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature, green areas on campuses are linked to higher academic success and less depression. Another research study published in ScienceDirect relays that exposure to nature reduces the number of days people feel mentally unwell.
GCU environmental studies student Nathaniel McKinley, an intern with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, helped ASGCU work toward the certification goal.
“This is a conglomerate (of groups) that are working together (toward that goal)," he said.
McKiney sees the outdoors and being in nature as a positive: "I hope to be outdoors for the next 10 years, until my knees give out, and then I’m going to teach it.”
The tree planting marked the first of what GCU hopes to be many more as it awaits a review by the state and approval by the Arbor Day Foundation to be named a Tree Campus Higher Education site.
Floyd said, “This would demonstrate who we are (and) what we are standing for. We want to promote a healthier environment, and part of that is having trees on campus.”
The decision to plant red push pistache trees, although it is not native to Arizona, was based on the trees’ ability to withstand Arizona droughts and harsh climate.
Junior Myah Ochoa, the ASGCU Sustainability Team director, said, “It’s going to be great to have more shade on campus and more places for (students) to spend time outdoors, especially since we live in such a sunny and warm state.”
The hope with the designation is that GCU will be known not only as a tree-friendly campus but that it will inspire other universities to take this same step toward healthier campuses.
Ochoa and senior Ariana Gomez, also an ASGCU Sustainability Team leader, said the sustainability committee’s next big event is Oct. 7, The Fall Flip. It will be an evening of upcycling clothing and participating in other conservation crafts to promote the ASGCU Sustainability team's motto, “Making small steps for a big impact.”
GCU News student writer Jessica Walters can be reached at [email protected].
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