UC Davis Health earns Tree Campus recognition from Arbor Day Foundation
(SACRAMENTO)
The Arbor Day Foundation named UC Davis Health a 2024 Tree Campus for its commitment to using trees and green spaces to support human health, environmental sustainability and broader community well-being.
The Tree Campus recognition honors health care institutions that intentionally manage and invest in trees as part of a broader approach to healing environments and climate resilience.
At UC Davis Health, this work is reflected in several ongoing efforts, including:
Sustainable landscape and tree management – preserving and expanding campus tree canopy while reducing turf, planting drought-tolerant vegetation and upgrading irrigation systems to conserve water.
Integrated pest management practices – shifting away from synthetic herbicides in favor of manual weed removal, mulch application and ground cover planting to promote healthier soils and safer outdoor spaces.
Systemwide sustainability leadership – advancing climate, water and infrastructure strategies that support a healthier campus environment for patients, visitors and staff.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its Tree Campus program recognizes schools, universities and healthcare facilities that leverage trees to improve health outcomes and environmental conditions.
“Healthcare institutions like UC Davis Health are at the forefront of recognizing the profound impact nature can have on human health,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “By integrating trees and green spaces into their campuses, they are creating healing environments today while building more resilient communities for the future.”
Trees and green spaces are proven to reduce stress, improve health outcomes and deliver broader environmental benefits such as cooling neighborhoods, improving air quality and reducing flooding impacts.
“UC Davis Health’s very first Tree Campus health care recognition reflects our commitment to preserve and maintain our trees and our promise to continue to plant and care for trees for the health and benefit of our community and environment,” said Erik Skall, grounds landscape supervisor in Plant Operations & Maintenance.
To earn Tree Campus recognition, a health care institution must meet five core standards, including maintaining a tree care plan, establishing a tree advisory committee, completing a community forestry project, hosting an event that highlights the connection between trees and human health, and investing in a campus tree program.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus program is supported by professional partner the Davey Tree Expert Company. Learn more at arborday.org.
