JJC Earns Tree Campus Higher Education Recognition

Joliet Junior College has earned Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for 2021 from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education program. 

“This recognition really shows that our campus is different because we care for our natural areas, hold them to a high standard and want everyone in the community to be able to enjoy these beautiful natural areas that we are so fortunate to have,” said Andrew Fleisleber, JJC’s sustainability intern. 

2021 marks the fourth consecutive year JJC has received this recognition. According to Fleisleber, 2018 was the first year, and JJC applies to renew it every three years.  

JJC met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required to receive this distinction, which include a tree advisory committee, a campus tree care plan, annual expenditures dedicated to the campus tree program, Arbor Day observance and sponsorship of student service learning projects. 

The Tree Advisory Committee is comprised of a professor, a student, a community member and a facility services worker. Along with the campus tree care plan, the committee ensures JJC’s natural areas are healthy. 

“Everyone does their part by making sure the natural areas are maintained properly and kept up to high standards,” Fleisleber said. 

The location of Main Campus puts JJC in the middle of natural areas. Paved and unpaved nature trails and many wild animals, such as deer, skunks and snakes, are present just outside Main Campus buildings. In addition, a lake runs right through Main Campus. 

“Having these natural areas gives us an opportunity to see firsthand how important the environment is and how beautiful it is if taken care of properly,” Fleisleber said. “When you have an example of how extraordinary our world is right on campus, it makes sustainability make a lot more sense. The college has done amazing on its part in implementing sustainability measures on campus as well as making sure the natural areas are protected.” 

JJC’s environmental sustainability efforts go beyond caring for and renewing natural resources. But they do take center stage during April, which is Earth Month. 

The Sustainability Union at JJC is hosting several events to celebrate the month, including webinars, a film screening and more. For more details on Earth Month activities, visit JJC’s sustainability webpage.