At The Arbor Day Foundation in Omaha, Nebraska this year, Fresno State was recognized as one of 23 Tree Campus USA award winners for dedication to campus forestry and management.

Students, staff and volunteers began planting 50 maple trees along Fresno State’s Maple Mall to mark Fresno States Tree Campus USA designation on Friday, April 24.

Fresno State’s arboretum is also recognized on a national level. The campus contains approximately 4,000 trees, complimented by rolling lawns, bushes and blooming flowers.

The trees were purchased by the university for the event. The event featured the acceptance of the Tree Campus USA plaque and a flag to put on display on campus.

The maples were chosen to enhance the collection among the maple mall but also because maples are good for cleaning the air and storing carbon. Maples also need little water and produce great fall colors Fresno State grounds keeper Ryan McCaughey said.