For the fourth consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized Xavier University of Louisiana as a 2024 Tree Campus for its dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and community engagement. 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization that inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Since 1972, its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Tree Campus program recognizes schools, universities, and healthcare facilities that use trees to improve their communities.  

“This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of Xavier University of Louisiana's maintenance and sustainability team, who continue to expand our campus tree canopy, engage students in environmental stewardship, and grow our urban orchard,” said Helena Robinson, Xavier’s Director of Sustainability & Quality Control. “As a historically Black and Catholic institution committed to climate justice and community resilience, we see this work as vital. Every tree planted reflects our dedication to building a greener, healthier, and more equitable future for Xavier and the Gert Town community.”  

To earn Tree Campus recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, colleges and universities must uphold five core standards, including maintaining an advisory committee, setting a campus tree care plan, verifying annual investment in the tree care plan, celebrating Arbor Day, and creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.  

Xavier incorporates trees into most of its new construction projects and plants new trees yearly for decoration, to reduce heat island effect, and to replace damaged or dead trees. 

A newer project is the Wildlife and Native Art Garden at Art Village. The purpose of the art garden is to transform the campus art village into a vibrant wildlife garden through a service-learning initiative. 

“Our vision is to enhance the art village's beauty by incorporating a variety of native plants and trees as well as sculptures crafted by Art Village faculty and students. Additionally, we plan to integrate bird feeders and create dedicated spaces to promote biodiversity,” Robinson said.   

Native plant species provide the best sanctuary for wildlife and have adapted and evolved to tolerate flooding and natural disasters in Louisiana. Additionally, fruit trees can provide students, campus, and the surrounding communities with fresh produce. 

With the understanding that native plants in New Orleans are essential for repairing endangered ecosystems and provide habitats for pollinators and a surprisingly diverse array of local wildlife, Xavier will be able to offer students and the surrounding community local access to food sources, protect more of our region’s wildlife, and provide opportunities to learn about the importance of New Orleans ecology. 

“Trees have the power to inspire learning and improve well-being,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “By growing campus green spaces, forward-thinking higher education leaders like Xavier are cultivating vibrant learning communities that also benefit the greater environment.” 

Trees on campus can lower the energy cost of campus facilities by providing shade cover, reducing extreme heat, improving air quality, and boosting physical health benefits for students and staff. In addition, trees improve students' mental and cognitive health, provide an appealing aesthetic for campuses, and create shaded areas for gathering and studying.    

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and with support from professional partner Bartlett Tree Experts.