SKYCTC Earns Fifth Consecutive Tree Campus Higher Education Recognition
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) has once again been recognized as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution, marking the College’s fifth consecutive year in the national program. This milestone reflects SKYCTC’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship, campus forestry, and student engagement through the dedicated efforts of the Sustainability Committee and the broader campus community.
SKYCTC’s 2025 application highlighted steady progress toward long-term forestry and sustainability goals. Recent campus improvements include the planting of 23 evergreen trees and 12 redbud trees, enhancing green spaces across campus. Plans are also underway for a native flower garden designed to support Monarch Butterfly populations, further strengthening biodiversity on campus.
Community outreach remains a central component of SKYCTC’s sustainability efforts. During last year’s Springfest, the College distributed 200 native tree saplings to the public, reinforcing the connection between environmental education and community engagement. These initiatives are supported through partnerships with local agencies and nonprofit organizations, extending the College’s impact beyond campus boundaries.
Academic involvement continues to play a key role in sustainability efforts at SKYCTC. A service-learning project incorporated into BIO 153 engages students in hands-on tree identification and inventory work. This experiential learning opportunity not only enhances student understanding of environmental science but also contributes valuable data to campus forestry planning.
“This recognition is a testament to the sustained dedication of our committee to environmental stewardship,” said Merrie Richardson, Sustainability Committee member.
SKYCTC also received commendation from John S. Baggett, Urban and Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator with the Kentucky Division of Forestry, who praised the College’s leadership and ongoing commitment to campus and community forestry.
In recognizing SKYCTC with its 2026 Tree Campus Higher Education designation, the Arbor Day Foundation highlighted the College’s comprehensive approach to campus tree care and conservation. The program celebrates institutions that promote healthy trees, engage students and staff, and foster a culture of sustainability.
As part of this recognition, the Sustainability Committee outlined key initiatives that contributed to SKYCTC’s success, including maintaining a campus tree care plan, investing in tree planting and maintenance, hosting the SKY Spring Festival in partnership with campus organizations, and engaging students in service-learning projects focused on tree health and invasive species prevention.
The Sustainability Committee extends special thanks to Ryan Dowell, Coordinator of SKYCTC’s Tree Campus USA certification and Sustainability Committee Chair; Dr. John Starnes, Professor of Biology; Merrie Richardson, Associate Professor of Biology; BIO 153 students who assisted with tree identification; Brian Keeling, Maintenance & Operations Supervisor; SKYCTC’s maintenance staff; Ashley Helmes, SGA representative and Biodiversity Club member; and Jared Weaver, Parks Forester/Arborist for the City of Bowling Green, for their collective efforts in achieving this recognition.
Through these ongoing initiatives, SKYCTC continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainability while cultivating a greener campus and a stronger connection to the surrounding community.
