Brownwood News – The Arbor Day Foundation has once again recognized Howard Payne University as a Tree Campus USA^® institution for the university’s ongoing commitment to effective urban forest management. HPU has received the Tree Campus USA designation since 2016. Pictured above:  Renee Burks of the Texas A&M Forest Service leads BISD students in spreading mulch around a newly-planted tree on the HPU campus during the university’s 2018 Texas Arbor Day celebration.

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In a letter congratulating HPU on its 2018 recognition, the Arbor Day Foundation said its Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and personnel in the spirit of conservation.

HPU celebrated Texas Arbor Day in late 2018 with several activities on campus for 96 fifth-grade students from Coggin Intermediate School in Brownwood. The series of environmental awareness hands-on activities emphasized predator/prey relationships, food chains and food webs. Renee Burks of the Texas A&M Forest Service was also on campus to discuss the role of trees and the importance of maintaining trees in a healthy ecosystem. The event culminated in the young students’ participation in a tree-mulching ceremony.

A large number of HPU students and personnel coordinated the event.

Terry Pritchett, assistant vice president for facilities and planning, serves as chair of the university’s Campus Tree Advisory Committee which also includes representatives from HPU’s student body and personnel.

“God has blessed HPU with a beautiful campus and I’m proud of the efforts of all those who work hard to maintain it to His glory,” said Pritchett.

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