Ithaca, NY (January 15, 2025) —The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Kendal at Ithaca as a 2024 Tree Campus, which celebrates a commitment to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment, and engagement. This prestigious recognition highlights Kendal at Ithaca’s dedication to integrating trees and green spaces on the retirement community’s campus to create a healthier and more sustainable environment.
“Communities like Kendal at Ithaca are at the forefront of recognizing the profound impact nature can have on human health,” explained Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “By integrating trees and green spaces into their campuses, Kendal at Ithaca is not only creating healing environments today, but they are also building a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities in the future.”
Achieving Tree Campus Status
To earn this designation, Kendal at Ithaca successfully met the Arbor Day Foundation’s five core standards for Tree Campus facilities, which include:
- Establishing a Tree Advisory Committee: Bringing together staff, residents, and community representatives to guide tree-related initiatives.
- Maintaining a Facility Tree Care Plan: Ensuring proper management and stewardship of trees on campus.
- Completing a Community Forestry Project: Strengthening community ties while advancing sustainability goals.
- Sponsoring Educational Events: Highlighting the critical connection between trees and human health.
- Investing in a Campus Tree Program: Demonstrating long-term commitment to tree care and management.

Why Trees Matter
Trees are more than just an aesthetic—scientific studies consistently demonstrate their positive impact on health outcomes. Trees and green spaces reduce stress, improve air quality, combat extreme heat, mitigate flooding, and foster a sense of community. By nurturing trees on their campus, Kendal at Ithaca contributes to a healthier and more vibrant world for both residents and the larger community.

A Team Effort
A dedicated team of employees, residents and community members, including Laurie Mante (CEO), Tom Crossgrove (Director of Facilities), Josh Thorp (Grounds Manager), Hazel Gunn (Resident and Committee Chair and Co-chair of the Sustainability Committee ), Danielle Chontey (Director of Marketing and Communications) and Fred Cowett (Village Forester and Community Partner from the Village of Cayuga Heights), worked determinedly to achieve this recognition.
“I am incredibly proud of the team that helped Kendal at Ithaca earn this recognition,” shared Laurie Mante, CEO of Kendal at Ithaca. “This distinction reflects our commitment to supporting the health of our planet as well as the well-being of people in our broader community.”
For media inquiries or to learn more about Kendal at Ithaca’s sustainability efforts, contact Danielle Chontey at dchontey@kai@kendal.org. For more information about the Tree Campus program or applying for recognition, visit www.arborday.org.

About Kendal at Ithaca:
Kendal at Ithaca sits on a beautiful 105-acre campus amid New York’s Finger Lakes region. Residents enjoy extensive services and amenities, comprehensive health care for life and a strong, values-based sense of community. Located near Cornell University and Ithaca College, the community has easy access to extensive cultural, educational and recreational activities. Find out more at https://kai.kendal.org/.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit determined to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, has planted more than 500 million trees since its establishment in 1972. The Tree Campus program recognizes schools, universities, and healthcare facilities for their excellence in leveraging trees to improve their communities.
The program is generously supported by the Davey Tree Expert Company, which partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to empower institutions to make lasting environmental impacts.