In honor of Arbor Day 2024, we’d like to announce that the University of Pittsburgh’s Tree Campus designation has been renewed!

The University’s Pittsburgh campus first achieved its national Tree Campus Higher Education designation in 2021 from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Pitt is proud to have annually renewed its Tree Campus designation since (2021, 2022, and now 2023), reflecting the University’s dedication to cultivating sustainable landscapes that increase biodiversity and enrich ecosystem services vital to environmental and human health.

Trees are an integral part of Pitt’s campus, contributing to its natural beauty, stormwater management, urban wildlife ecosystems, and providing mental health benefits to the community.

Some notable Pitt achievements highlighted in our 2023 Tree Campus USA renewal submitted by the Campus Tree Advisory Committee are:

• 836 new trees planted on the Pittsburgh campus in 2023 (despite 14 trees lost to storm damage).
• Campus Tree Trek walking route created to help Pitt community members get outside and learn about the natural history of the campus trees while showcasing Pitt’s commitment to expanding and preserving our local tree canopy.
• The Pitt Tree Tender Program now boasts 131 certified Pitt community members.
• In 2023, 3 undergraduate service-learning projects involved either planting trees or protecting forest ecosystems through both the Provost Academy and Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation’s Undergraduate Research Program.

Celebrate Arbor Day with Pitt’s Tremendous Trees

The University’s 2019 campus tree inventory for the Pittsburgh campus documented nearly 4,000 existing trees of diverse species and maturities that provided 29.95 acres of tree canopy coverage.

Campus Tree Trek

Discover the beauty of nature right on our Pittsburgh campus with the Campus Tree Trek. This 1-mile walking route features 17 tree species, each equipped with educational signage, providing insights into the diverse tree species found on campus. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious about campus greenery, the Campus Tree Trek is a great way to learn and appreciate the trees around you.

How to Hang Hammocks Safely

Help protect trees on campus by following these hammocking tips:

• Only place hammocks on tree trunks that are wider than your thigh.
• Each tree trunk should only support 1 hammock.
• Use tree safe straps (typically a nylon material at least 1″ wide that protect bark from being damaged).
• Avoid attaching hammocks to tree limbs, which can easily break.
• Remove hammocks when they’re not in use.

Tree Tender Training

Pitt’s Tree Tender course is taught by Tree Pittsburgh and covers urban forestry practices, tree biology, and health, basic tree identification, proper pruning and maintenance, and how to lead your community in organizing tree plantings and tree care.

• All Pitt employees and students are eligible to become a certified Tree Tender for free by completing asynchronous, virtual trainings or by attending in-person trainings.
• Register for the upcoming on campus training May 30, 2024.