Tree Campus USA project starts on SE

By Rema Atiya/se news editor

SE Campus will open up its Tree Campus USA project with a presentation by Steven Chamblee, chief horticulturist of Chandor Gardens in Weatherford 10-11:30 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the North Ballroom.

“Awareness leads to enlightenment, which in turn leads to action,” Chamblee said.

“When people learn of the amazing benefits the urban forest delivers with its cleaner air, temperature regulation, wildlife habitat, reduced soil erosion, and we haven’t even mentioned beauty and sense of place yet, people will plant and care for trees.”

Texas Trees: May the Forest Be with You is designed to inspire appreciation for urban forests and features the best trees for planting in North Central Texas, Chamblee said.

Todd Morris, TCC lead groundskeeper, wanted to involve students and faculty in his department, which led to the Tree Campus USA project.

“This program provides us with a great opportunity to have interaction between all facets of our campus and community that will not only benefit us as individuals but provide a source to reduce our carbon footprint as a campus as well as build a long-term focus on campus enhancements and preservation,” he said.

The SE Campus will focus on keeping the environment clean around the campus as well as a better-looking image for the school to the surrounding community, Morris said.

“I think TCC SE earning the status as a Tree Campus USA will be appreciated more as time goes on,” Chamblee said.

“Getting started is the most important part.

The trees project is now incorporated into the SE Campus curriculum along with student involvement in the surrounding environment by their taking care of the 100 tree additions to the campus.

“The program had all the components that we were looking for: student learning project, faculty/staff interaction and a long-term positive impact on our campus,” Morris said.

Throughout the spring semester, SE Campus will host different speakers and events to celebrate the campus becoming part of the Tree Campus USA Foundation.

“TCC’s core function is really to develop students into people ready for the future,” Chamblee said.

“Becoming part of the Tree Campus USA is just an extension of that philosophy … and I’m proud to be a part of that.”