BGSU students culminate yearlong service project with campus, community tree plantings

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4. BGSU students culminate yearlong service project with campus, community tree plantings

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - In honor of Earth Month, Bowling Green State University students in the Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy recently planted more than a dozen trees on campus and in the community, culminating a yearlong service project to contribute to a healthier environment.

Through the four-year leadership development program, BGSU PLA scholars become passionate, servant leaders who are committed to making a difference in their communities and the world.

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

The BGSU PLA planted six trees at Carter Historic Farm-a working farm in Bowling Green that is part of the park district-and another 10 trees along Stadium Drive near Doyt L. Perry Stadium 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.

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.

"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."

BGSU is among the nation's most environmentally responsible institutions and is consistently recognized for its green efforts and commitment to sustainability.