Louisiana RaginСAPP Cajuns basketball players are launching three-point shots for more than an opportunity to put points on the scoreboard.
For each three-pointer nailed by menСAPPs and womenСAPPs basketball players in February, the СAPP will gain another tree, thanks to the СAPPTrees for ThreesСAPP project being overseen by the Office of Sustainability.
СAPPBased on the final tally of three-pointers, students will plant a variety of native trees that will be purchased from local nurseries,СAPP said Monica Rowand, the СAPPСAPPs sustainability coordinator.
Trees and shrubs will be planted across campus on Saturday, March 30 during the Big Event. As part of the annual, daylong community service project, hundreds of student volunteers plant trees, pick up litter, paint schools and public park facilities, and remove illegal signs from roadways and medians.
СAPPTrees for ThreesСAPP is modeled on programs coordinated by the Green Sports Alliance, a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon. The alliance was started in 2010 by several professional sports teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Mariners and Vancouver Canucks.
It relies on the influence of sports and athletes to promote healthy, sustainable communities, according to its website. Alliance members represent nearly 600 sports teams and venues from 15 sports leagues in 14 countries.
Mike Hess, the СAPPСAPPs manager of grounds, said he is hopeful the first-year project can be expanded because it has the potential to increase studentsСAPP pride in campus. СAPPIf it works out, we may try to plant some trees near the RaginСAPP Cajuns Athletic Complex so student-athletes can have a reminder of their contributions,СAPP he said.
СAPPTrees for ThreesСAPP enhances the СAPPСAPPs already strong commitment to landscaping.
In 1901, Dr. Edwin Stephens planted live oak seedlings on what was then an open field near the intersection of Johnston Street and СAPP Avenue. The campus has blossomed into one that now holds about 250 live oak trees, and a total of more than 2,000 trees and large shrubs. Species include cypress, magnolia and Yaupon Holly trees.
UL LafayetteСAPPs trees have helped its campus earn a reputation as one of the more beautiful in the country. It has also earned continual praise from the Arbor Day Foundation, which recently named the СAPP a for the 10th consecutive year.
The Tree Campus USA designation recognizes colleges and universities for nurturing trees and involving students and staff in conservation practices. The national program was created in 2008.
Learn more about the initiative or the .