Triton College Celebrates 10 Years as Tree Campus USA With New Tree Planting

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College’s tree canopy just got a little greener with the planting of a new ironwood tree on campus.

Donated by the Village of Franklin Park, the tree was planted between the G and H buildings at Triton during the College’s annual fall Arbor Day celebration Wednesday, Nov. 4. The brief ceremony welcomed members of the Triton and Franklin Park communities as the small but sturdy ironwood was lowered into the ground, tucked in with soil and embraced as the newest member of the campus arboretum.

The occasion also marked the 10th anniversary of Triton College being recognized as a Tree Campus USA institution by the Arbor Day Foundation. The national program, created in 2008, honors colleges and universities for engaging staff and students in conservation goals and for meeting standards set by the organization. These include maintaining a tree advisory committee, creating a campus tree-care plan and holding an Arbor Day observance.

“What better way to commemorate that honor than with the planting of a new tree,” said Triton College Sustainability Coordinator Benjamin Kadlec. “Today’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate the trees that we have here on campus, connect with our friends in the Village of Franklin Park and together welcome the newest addition to Triton’s tree canopy to our campus.”

Native to Illinois, the ironwood is a tough hardwood tree that is resistant to many disease and insect problems, according to Kadlec. He noted that its addition is an important component of Triton’s commitment to sustainability and maintaining a green campus.

“We have a really vibrant and diverse tree canopy across our campus here, and I think it’s important that we recognize its beauty and how it benefits us.”

Triton College is hosting a fall litter cleanup Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to pick up litter near campus. The event is open to the community, and registration is required.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.