Valencia recognized by Arbor Day Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla. – Friday marks National Arbor Day and Valencia College is getting top honors from the Arbor Day Foundation for making a difference.
One-by-one, 100 trees were loaded off carts and planted by students at Valencia College.
"Just came out to plant some trees, help out, do something for the environment and for the school," said Valencia student Ryan Foley.
It's that spirit that landed Valencia a "Tree Campus USA" designation. Recognized for promoting healthy urban forests, the school also received a grant from the Arbor Day Foundation for the native trees.
Horticulture major Tyler Pontes knows all too well the benefit of trees.
"Absorbs carbon dioxide, lets out more oxygen, benefits people around you," said Pontes.
Trees can also lower building energy costs by as much as 30 percent, which is why what these students are now doing will make a difference for generations to come.
"I just see a lot of things being cut down and we just need oxygen cause trees give life and oxygen," said student Darrah Matthews.
Valencia is one of only seven schools nationwide to receive the Tree Campus USA honor and the only school in Florida.