Purdue earns 16th consecutive Tree Campus USA award

For the 16th year in a row, Purdue University has been honored with the Tree Campus USA award, highlighting its ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing campus green spaces. This recognition reflects the strategic planning, dedication and care invested in maintaining a healthy and thriving urban forest.

Thanks to the efforts of the Grounds department and key partnerships with Campus Planning, Forestry, the Purdue Arboretum, Horticulture and Purdue for Life, Purdue’s campus is home to 13,779 trees, with 733 new trees planted this year while only 135 were removed. The completion of the 1869 Tree Plan has contributed to an increase in tree diversity, bringing the total number of varieties and cultivars on campus to 459.

Community engagement remains a key aspect in Purdue’s commitment to cultivating and maintaining healthy green spaces. Arbor Day 2024 saw the planting of 286 trees at Horticulture Park, while the Purdue Day of Service, held during Green Week, led to the planting of 33 additional trees near the McCutcheon Drive Parking Garage.

Beyond these planting efforts, Purdue continues to prioritize the long-term health and sustainability of its urban forest. Through routine assessments, pruning and plant health care techniques, the university ensures that both newly planted and mature trees receive the necessary care to thrive. The Grounds department also actively monitors at-risk trees and works to mitigate potential issues related to disease, pests and environmental stressors.

Purdue’s tree management strategies are further enhanced by its collaboration with the horticulture department and Purdue Arboretum. The integration of real-time data collection through geographic information system mapping allows for improved tree inventory management, ensuring a more strategic approach to maintaining campus green spaces.

“This recognition really showcases the hard work and dedication of our Grounds team and campus partners,” said Phil Richey, director of Grounds. “With nearly 14,000 trees across campus and more being planted every year, we’re not just maintaining Purdue’s green spaces — we’re helping them thrive.”

As Purdue continues to expand and evolve, its dedication to fostering a healthy, diverse and sustainable urban forest is setting a lasting example of environmental stewardship. The Tree Campus USA recognition underscores Purdue’s commitment to preserving its green spaces for future generations, ensuring that the campus remains a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors alike.

Grounds and Campus Planning are part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Fostering a healthy environment for trees to thrive is just one way the organization continues to power Purdue. To learn more about the daily operations of the organization, follow us on Instagram at @purdueoperations and Facebook at Purdue Administrative Operations.