Just before the holidays, students and staff at Georgia State University planted trees from the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota in celebration of the campus commitment to caring for and maintaining its urban forest.

GSU is working toward Tree Campus USA status, which recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage trees and engage students.

The volunteer planting effort was one of several tree planting events sponsored by the Foundation and Toyota during the fall of 2012 to give students and staff the opportunity to participate in hands-on conservation activities. The local non-profit Trees Atlanta co-hosted the event, which is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about conservation and the benefits of urban forestry on college campuses.

Thirty trees were planted near campus at the Bell Street Project, adjacent to the intersection of Decatur and Bell Streets.

“We’re excited to share the spirit of stewardship with Georgia State University,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Through working together to plant trees and beautify the campus community, we help grow the next generation of conservation leaders.”

During 2011, the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota helped campuses throughout the country plant 30,000 trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities have invested more than $22 million in campus forest management. More information about the Tree Campus USA program visit arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.