RIVERSIDE, Calif. (April 3, 2016) – Nearly 60 California Baptist University students celebrated Spring Arbor Day by planting 15 trees on April 2.

The event was organized by the university's Facilities and Planning Services and the Environmental Science Club at CBU. Volunteers planted trees in the CBU parking lots and around the exterior of campus. The club's goal is to do their part to better the environment and their community.

The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized CBU as a 2016 Tree Campus USA for the second consecutive year.

"We are committed to planting and maintaining trees on campus," said Ed Schmachtenberger, grounds and landscaping manager at CBU. "Trees add so much to our campus plus they are great for the environment and community."

The volunteers worked several hours to dig holes and then to plant the trees.  

Anthony Ballinger, a biology senior, said he planted his first tree at the event and enjoyed getting his "hands dirty." 

Gabriella Seratti, an environmental science junior, said the event was a career preparation opportunity.  

"I love trees," Seratti said. "I want to go into forestry after graduation, and I think this event was a good starting point for me to learn more about trees."