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04/16/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 09:38

A greener campus and community: BGSU students’ service project contributes to a healthier environment

BGSU students planted 16 trees on campus and in the community as part of a service project through the President's Leadership Academy. (BGSU photo/Nick Polace)

A greener campus and community: BGSU students' service project contributes to a healthier environment

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  1. BGSU
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  3. 2024
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  5. A greener campus and community: BGSU students' service project contributes to a healthier environment

The President's Leadership Academy scholars planted 16 trees over two days in April

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By Laren Kowalczyk '07

Earlier this month, 22 Bowling Green State University students planted more than a dozen trees on campus and in the community, culminating a yearlong service project to contribute to a healthier environment.

The students are scholars in the University's Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy, a four-year leadership development program that empowers students to become passionate and servant leaders committed to making a difference in their communities and the world.

Hannah Super, a BGSU sophomore and member of the 2022 PLA cohort, helped coordinate the tree-planting project with the BGSU Office of Sustainability and the Wood County Park District.

Over two days in April, the group planted six trees at Carter Historic Farm, a working farm in Bowling Green that is part of the park district, and another 10 trees east of Lot 13 along Stadium Drive on campus.

"I've always cared about the environment, its beauty and what nature can do for a person," Super said. "It has been incredible to see what our cohort has accomplished and to give back to the University and the environment in such an impactful way. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the President's Leadership Academy and collaborate with my cohort members to do this meaningful work."

The 2022 PLA cohort members raised nearly $1,000 to purchase trees by holding a hot dog and bake sale and several fundraisers with local restaurants. The students also applied for and received additional funding through the University's Student Green Initiatives Fund, a student-created fund for sustainability projects on campus.

BGSU President's Leadership Academy scholars planted trees at Carter Historic Farm and on campus as part of their yearlong service project. (BGSU photo/Nick Polace)

Kendra Lutes, associate director of the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, said she was impressed by the cohort's multifaceted service project.

"There was a philanthropic piece to their project and a direct service component, which exemplified their strong commitment to this project and the environment," she said. "Through service projects like these, BGSU students strengthen their skills as servant leaders and become stewards of community service."

Dr. Nick Hennessy, sustainability manager in the Office of Campus Sustainability, also was proud of the students' efforts and interest in improving the environment.

BGSU is among the nation's most environmentally responsible institutions and recently was honored with Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its dedication to effective forest management and learning community engagement in conservation efforts.

"There are so many worthy causes students can choose to support, and I'm thrilled that the 2022 PLA cohort chose to support BGSU campus sustainability efforts by planting trees," Hennessy said. "Their project will have a lasting impact on the environment and our University."

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