Observing Arbor Day on the Salem Campus were, from left, John Majernik, Augustin Holman, Alicia Costello, Brennan McGuire, Owen Conway and Sarah Eichler. (Submitted photo)

SALEM ­–Kent State University at Salem again received the Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

The campus celebrated this recognition during its Earth Day/Arbor Day observances by planting a red flowering dogwood tree on the campus grounds. Students and faculty of the horticulture program coordinated the tree planting including Owen Conway, Alicia Costello, Augustin Holman, Brennan McGuire, Dr. Sarah Eichler, assistant professor of biological sciences and horticulture; and John Majernik, lecturer for the horticulture program.

To receive Tree Campus distinction, Kent State Salem had to meet the Tree Campus USA’s five standards, providing detailed documentation for each standard. These include maintaining a tree advisory committee; having a campus tree-care plan; dedicating annual expenditures for its campus tree program; holding an Arbor Day observance; and leading a student service-learning project.

The Salem campus is home to Kent State University’s horticulture program, where students can earn an associate degree in horticulture technology or a bachelor’s degree in applied horticulture.