This marks the first time UDC has received the designation, joining just one other university in the District. It also affirms UDC’s growing leadership in environmental stewardship, sustainability education and green workforce development.
“Trees play a vital role in making our campus a healthier, more resilient and more beautiful place to learn,” said D.C. Master Naturalist Coordinator and UDC Project Specialist in Urban Ecology Kelly Russo-Petrick. “They improve air quality and create spaces that foster reflection, connection and community. This designation also speaks to the university’s commitment to protecting and enhancing our living infrastructure.”
A Living Laboratory for Urban Resilience
At the heart of UDC’s new designation is a campus-wide tree care plan developed by an advisory committee that includes faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, the Office of Real Estate and Facilities Management and other local tree care experts.
The committee conducted a full tree inventory of the Van Ness campus, identifying 436 trees representing 56 unique species. Red pine emerged as the most common, joined by dozens of legacy cherry trees gifted to the university by the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
While the overall health of the campus canopy is strong, the inventory also identified areas for improvement: 105 trees require pruning, 73 are affected by invasive English ivy and 10 may need removal due to health or safety concerns.
To address these issues and engage the campus community, UDC launched monthly tree care days this spring, bringing together students and naturalists to remove invasive species, perform light pruning and monitor overall tree health.
Green Jobs and Campus Sustainability Go Hand-in-Branch
In March, UDC incorporated tree care education into its Youth Arboriculture Career Expo, giving high school students a hands-on introduction to careers in urban forestry, arboriculture and climate resilience. As the next phase of the tree care plan unfolds, UDC also hopes to hire a certified arborist to provide professional oversight and long-term care for the campus canopy.
“UDC’s trees are part of its campus identity and academic mission,” said Kathy Sykes, master naturalist, master gardener and Tree Care Advisory Committee member. “They are far more than landscaping - they’re learning tools and long-term assets. By offering students and community members hands-on experience in sustainable tree care and urban ecology, UDC is helping build the next generation of green professionals.”