Honors College goes blue, gold…and green

The FIU Honors College kicked off its reforestation initiative with the City of Sweetwater, Fri., Nov. 19, by distributing and planting close to 200 trees. The project is part of the College’s partnership with the city and aims to promote urban forest development within this underserved community. The trees were part of a donation from the Arbor Day Foundation, with support from Toyota, through its Tree Campus USA program. Vila & Son Landscaping provided assistance with site preparation for the planting.

The day began with a tree-planting ceremony at Sweetwater Elementary. During a presentation by the Reclamation Project, three trees were planted at the school and 155 small native trees and green flags were distributed to Sweetwater Elementary fifth graders. The students were taught how to plant the tree and flag in a suitable environment where they live. The flags symbolize the reclamation of nature and are part of the project’s initiative to encourage the growth of native tree species in local communities.

After that, Honors College volunteers helped plant 42 trees along the canal. Project organizers see the new trees as a source of shade for Sweetwater residents and FIU students who use the route to commute, exercise, gather or study. Before the tree planting, a ceremony was held designating FIU a Tree Campus USA university for the second consecutive year.

“By encouraging students to get involved with conservation efforts, the Honors College at FIU is helping the next generation of tree planters see firsthand that a landscape can be transformed and a community improved by the simple act of giving back to the earth,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of more than a million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Tree Campus USA recognizes colleges and universities for promoting urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. FIU was the state’s first Tree Campus USA designation. The Reclamation Project is an eco-art effort founded by Miami Artist and Honors College Community Advisory Board (CAB) member Xavier Cortada. Vila & Son is one of the largest landscaping companies in the country and is owned by Honors College CAB member Juan Carlos Vila.