Missouri State University (MSU) continues its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship with two prestigious national recognitions for 2025. The university has once again been named a Tree Campus USA, an honor it has maintained every year since 2012. In addition, MSU has earned the Bee Campus USA designation for the third consecutive year, having first received this recognition in 2022.

A Decade of Tree Campus USA Recognition

The Tree Campus USA program, an initiative of the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes colleges and universities that effectively manage their campus trees, develop connectivity with the community, and engage students in sustainability efforts. MSU’s continued recognition highlights its dedication to maintaining a healthy and vibrant tree canopy, which contributes to cleaner air, reduced carbon footprints, and a more beautiful campus environment.

Through ongoing efforts such as tree planting events, educational programs, and campus-wide sustainability initiatives, MSU has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to preserving its urban forest. The university’s careful planning and management ensure that trees remain an integral part of the campus landscape, enhancing both ecological and aesthetic values.

A Growing Commitment to Pollinators

In addition to its Tree Campus recognition, MSU is proud to be recognized as a Bee Campus USA for 2025. This distinction, awarded by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, recognizes institutions that create sustainable habitats for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Since first earning the designation in 2022, MSU has actively promoted pollinator-friendly landscaping, reduced pesticide use, and educated students and the community on the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystem. The university maintains pollinator gardens, hosts outreach programs, and collaborates with local organizations to ensure a thriving environment for bees and other pollinators.

Looking Ahead

Missouri State University’s continued commitment to sustainability reflects its broader mission to be a responsible environmental leader. By fostering healthy tree populations and creating pollinator-friendly spaces, MSU is taking significant steps to promote biodiversity and ecological resilience on campus.

The university extends its gratitude to students, faculty, staff, and community members who contribute to these efforts. Together, they ensure that MSU remains a model for environmental stewardship for years to come.

For more information on the work that our campus initiatives, visit https://www.missouristate.edu/Facilities/GroundsServices.htm.