The Arbor Day Foundation has named Kendal at Oberlin a 2022 Tree Campus Healthcare institution for its commitment to planting, nurturing and celebrating trees, according to a news release.
The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the release said.
Its Tree Campus Healthcare program aims to transform community health and ultimately save lives through trees, as well as recognize health care organizations that make an impact on wellness through tree planting, education, and community engagement.
“Spending time in green space has been proven to better health outcomes and reduce stress for staff and caretakers,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re proud of Kendal at Oberlin for going above and beyond to provide these benefits to their community.”
“Our staff and residents have done so much over the years to support and advance our campus, including the establishment of The John Bartram Arboretum, which recently received ArbNet Level II distinction,” said Rachel Duncan, Horticulturist and Arboretum curator. “This most recent recognition as a Tree Campus Healthcare facility, recognizes our organization for understanding and supporting the value of trees to human health and wellbeing.”
At this time, there are only 35 organizations in the United States designated a Tree Campus Healthcare organization, according to the release.
Others in Ohio include the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland), Cleveland Clinic Akron General (Akron) and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (Columbus).
This is the program’s fourth year.
To receive recognition, Kendal at Oberlin met five annual standards. They are:
• Maintaining a tree advisory committee
•Having a facility tree care plan
• Completing a community forestry project
• Educating the community on the importance of trees
•Investing in a campus tree program
For more information on the program, visit treecampushealthcare.org.
Kendal is a nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in Northeast Ohio located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40 minute drive from downtown Cleveland.
Kendal’s 110-acre campus, 600 Kendal Drive, also is home to the John Bartram Arboretum at Kendal at Oberlin.
In October, 2022, the campus was accredited as a Level II Arboretum by Arbnet, the international community of arboreta and other tree-focused institutions.
