CI has earned recognition as, “Tree Campus USA” for the fourth year in a row!

This has been completed through its continued commitment to forest management and conservation. In an effort to conserve precious resources, CI uses reclaimed water for irrigation and incorporates drought-tolerant and California native plants in landscaping projects. As of April 2015, 254 campuses across the states were awarded. CI is one of nine campuses in California to receive recognition and one of two campuses in the CSU system to earn the designation.

Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. CI achieved the yearly recognition by once again meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures toward trees, an Arbor Day observance, and student service-learning projects.

Approximately 75 percent of CI’s trees are California native. CI uses 99 percent reclaimed water for irrigation and once the California native trees are established, they rely primarily on rainfall. The trees provide shade, offer habitat for wildlife, reduce storm water runoff, and enhance the aesthetics of the facility. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen. With the 350 new trees planted this past year on the main campus and in the restoration, CI currently has approximately 2,900 trees (120 different species).

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