Utah State Campus Awarded International Arboretum Accreditation

With over 30 of the largest species of trees in Utah and over 7,000 trees this spring, Utah State University’s Logan campus has been recognized as an arboretum through the ArbNet arboretum accreditation program.

This unique, global accreditation is awarded to arboretums that meet certain standards including the size and heath of the campus forest, recognizing the exceptional tree canopy management practices of USU’s Landscape Operations and Management Department. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Along with this accreditation, USU is going on its 14th year of being a designated Tree Campus.

“I am proud and grateful that Utah State University has become an accredited arboretum," said University Arborist Dane Gyllenskog. "I am excited to see how the students, faculty, and staff of Utah State University will benefit from this distinction. Most of all, I am glad to see that the trees on campus are being represented and hopefully this will help protect and grow USU's campus forest. “

Having this designation and accreditation strengthens the value of the campus forest. The trees on campus, big and small, represent years of university history. Trees offer many values to the community, including shade on hot summer days, soil temperature control, and carbon sequestration.

Many small biota live in the trees, supporting thriving ecosystems on campus for students, staff, faculty and the greater community to enjoy. Caring for trees not only enhances the beauty and ecological health of the campus but also embodies a sustainable practice essential for ensuring a greener future for generations to come.

Some of the most impressive trees on campus are: the Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava), a White Spruce (Picea glauca), a European Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris), and a Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii). All of these trees are the biggest on record in Utah. The oldest tree is an Austrian Pine, planted in 1908 located directly next to the Education Building on Aggie Bullevard.

Along with historic native trees, the university also boasts a collection of trees unique to Utah. Some of the most uncommon varieties include: a caster aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus), a pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) and a Western red cedar (Thuja plicata).

These trees are planted across the Logan campus, but many are located on Old Main Hill. Another notable tree on Old Main is a popular cottonwood tree, affectionately nicknamed Woodrow by some of the community. This diversity of campus forest ensures that the canopy stays healthy and the oldest trees are protected against disease.

Caring for the oldest trees is an important aspect of the USU arboretum as the oldest campus trees offer additional carbon sequestration value, add biodiversity and contribute to the extraordinary landscapes on campus.

In the future the arborist committee wants to grow the campus forest and advocate for the trees. Thanks to this designation, the campus community can expect to see signage identifying some of the most impressive trees. Additionally, more protection may be offered to valuable tree canopy through urban conservation and investment.