Minnesota Community Forestry Award Recipients
Award Categories:
- Leadership Award – Awarded for outstanding service and commitment to the advancement of community forestry. This is the highest achievement award.
- Volunteer Service Award – Awarded to the individual or organization whose service has contributed most significantly to community forestry.
- Outstanding Project Award – Awarded to the individual or organization that has organized and implemented the most innovative and successful project.
- Treescaping Award – Using trees in a unique and desirable landscape form through outstanding efforts in the promotion of community forestry best management practices.
- Practitioners Award of Excellence – Awarded to an arborist and/or practitioner and/or community for dedicated service and support to the practice of arboriculture.
- Innovation Award – Awarded to the individual or organization that has created or started an outstanding project that really shines through for its innovation.
- Toothless Saw Award – Presented in good natured fun for an individual who left the membership with a humorous, lasting impression.
Award Nomination
2023 Award Recipients
Innovation Award – Green Minneapolis
Through Green Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative, a public/private partnership, Green Minneapolis has partnered with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to expand the urban tree canopy. This project included the 23,755 city trees planted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board from 2019 to 2021 in Minnesota’s first urban tree carbon offset program. The trees from this project are estimated to store 48,865 metric tons of carbon over the 25 year duration of the project. In addition to the carbon sequestered by the trees, the project also quantifies rainfall interception, air quality improvements and energy savings achieved by the trees. The initiative will identify new funding sources that will go toward tree planting and maintenance cost in an effort to expand the Metro’s tree canopy by 30%.
Practitioners Award of Excellence – Ryan Gustafson
Ryan is outstanding in his contribution to forestry in his relentless approach to volunteering, education, and community support. Ryan's time away from work is limited but he still manages to make time to engage with his professional community in the twin cities metro as well as his local community of Buffalo, MN. His ability to grow arboricultural understanding in all facets of his life is what makes him the best nominee. He lives to care for trees and the people the trees benefit. As a board certified master arborist Ryan leads a service focused life that we could all strive to replicate. Ryan doesn't stop caring for trees when his work day is over. He spends long hours building a community that appreciates trees and arboriculture.
Volunteer Service Award – Gordon Hanson
Gordon is a super volunteer and a TREE-MENDOUS advocate. He is the Chair of the Wood Lake Nature Center Board of Directors and has volunteered with them for over 18 years. He is currently the longest running volunteer at Tree Trust and attends as many tree planting events as is humanly possible. Beyond serving in his own community of Richfield, he travels around the Twin Cities metro area to help with community and school tree planting events. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always ready to help someone learn about trees and planting. He has worked with thousands of community members and school children on tree planting events, and in his volunteer leadership role, he has taught and influenced many new volunteers on the importance of proper tree planting. He has successfully and generously shared his love of trees, nature and the outdoors with so many people and really deserves some recognition in his commitment to our community.
Outstanding Project Award – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
The MPRB Forestry Department successfully and safely removed a 90 inch diameter Cottonwood tree from an alley easement. This work was done by inhouse crews and a rented crane with operator. This project demonstrates the challenges faced in municipal arboriculture and how they can be dealt with by utilizing the skills and expertise of existing staff. It also demonstrates the value of training, much of which comes from MSA sponsored events.
Through Green Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative, a public/private partnership, Green Minneapolis has partnered with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to expand the urban tree canopy. This project included the 23,755 city trees planted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board from 2019 to 2021 in Minnesota’s first urban tree carbon offset program. The trees from this project are estimated to store 48,865 metric tons of carbon over the 25 year duration of the project. In addition to the carbon sequestered by the trees, the project also quantifies rainfall interception, air quality improvements and energy savings achieved by the trees. The initiative will identify new funding sources that will go toward tree planting and maintenance cost in an effort to expand the Metro’s tree canopy by 30%.
Practitioners Award of Excellence – Ryan Gustafson
Ryan is outstanding in his contribution to forestry in his relentless approach to volunteering, education, and community support. Ryan's time away from work is limited but he still manages to make time to engage with his professional community in the twin cities metro as well as his local community of Buffalo, MN. His ability to grow arboricultural understanding in all facets of his life is what makes him the best nominee. He lives to care for trees and the people the trees benefit. As a board certified master arborist Ryan leads a service focused life that we could all strive to replicate. Ryan doesn't stop caring for trees when his work day is over. He spends long hours building a community that appreciates trees and arboriculture.
Volunteer Service Award – Gordon Hanson
Gordon is a super volunteer and a TREE-MENDOUS advocate. He is the Chair of the Wood Lake Nature Center Board of Directors and has volunteered with them for over 18 years. He is currently the longest running volunteer at Tree Trust and attends as many tree planting events as is humanly possible. Beyond serving in his own community of Richfield, he travels around the Twin Cities metro area to help with community and school tree planting events. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always ready to help someone learn about trees and planting. He has worked with thousands of community members and school children on tree planting events, and in his volunteer leadership role, he has taught and influenced many new volunteers on the importance of proper tree planting. He has successfully and generously shared his love of trees, nature and the outdoors with so many people and really deserves some recognition in his commitment to our community.
Outstanding Project Award – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
The MPRB Forestry Department successfully and safely removed a 90 inch diameter Cottonwood tree from an alley easement. This work was done by inhouse crews and a rented crane with operator. This project demonstrates the challenges faced in municipal arboriculture and how they can be dealt with by utilizing the skills and expertise of existing staff. It also demonstrates the value of training, much of which comes from MSA sponsored events.
2019 Award Recipients
Treescaping Award – Hennepin County, MSR Design and Ten x Ten Architecture and Urbanism
The Eden Prairie Library refurbishment construction project is a great example to be replicated, thanks to the partnership between Hennepin County, Ten x Ten Architecture and Urbanism, and MSR Design. Landscape plans utilized structural soils, permeable pavers, a rain garden, forester recommended species selections, and gravel bed trees that were planted by Hennepin County foresters and corrections clients. The innovative plan used New Horizon elm, Beacon oak, swamp white oak, redbud and arborvitae to create an outdoor classroom and screening in an innovative landscape plan that is inspiring, resilient, sustainable and saved $17,000 over balled and burlap option.
Practitioners Award of Excellence – University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources Youth Engagement in Arboriculture (YEA)
The University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources Youth Engagement in Arboriculture is a project that gets youth into the saddle and up in trees to get them excited about a possible career in arboriculture. When kids are asked what they want to be when they grow up, the profession of arborist is rarely heard of. Chad Giblin, Alissa Cotton, Lydia Voth, Laura Nelson and Monica Randazzo set out to change that.
The Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota implemented YEA in 2016 to educate youth in elementary to high school about arboriculture and urban forestry. Funding is provided by grants from the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation, the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture, the USDA Forest Service, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In 2018, YEA programs received volunteer support from local tree care professionals, hosting arborists from City of Saint Paul, Four Seasons Tree Care, Jubert Tree Care, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Northeast Tree, Rainbow Tree Care, SavATree, and Vineland Tree Care.
A major highlight of YEA is tree climbing field trips and camps. Both on the ground and high in the treetops, youth are engaged in thrilling experiences that improve their knowledge and their physical abilities. Each workshop provides opportunities for kids to climb trees like professional arborists. While undertaking fun and rewarding challenges, they learn about proper safety and communication, as well as about academic and career paths that involve trees and tree care. Games involving the rigging and suspension systems allow youth to work and learn in teams, and each person is given personal instruction from an expert during their chances to ascend trees. All events maintain full compliance with the Standard for Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations (ANSI Z133) and coordinate with ISA Certified Arborists® to ensure that safety and expertise are prioritized. YEA shines through its accessibility; there is no basic degree of skill or fitness necessary to participate in any activity. Kids of all levels have equal opportunities to have fun and learn. A variety of techniques are taught, which also gives participants a chance to discover their personal strengths. In addition to climbing events, YEA has hosted field trips on a myriad of topics, such as remote sensing, dendrology, nursery production systems, and tree propagation.
Many young people have never heard of urban forestry or its plethora of benefits before coming to a YEA event, but through their participation they receive a new perspective of natural resources and exhilarating memories that they will bring into their futures.
Outstanding Project Award – Hennepin County, The City of Medicine Lake, and volunteer Chris Klar
The City of Medicine Lake is a tiny but close community of 371 residents, 30 of whom spent an October Saturday quickly planting 40 trees in City parks with the assistance of Hennepin County’s Department of Environment & Energy. While Hennepin County provided the bare root gravel bed trees and planting demonstrations, the city provided water tankers, mulch, soil amendments, stakes, and other equipment- all of which contributed to the success of the event.
Volunteers planted 20 fruit trees that consisted of 7 different varieties of apples and pears on a lot that was locally famous for being a fruit tree orchard back in the 1920s and ‘30s. The 20 shade trees were planted in the new Memorial Park, and Jevne Park. These 20 shade trees consisted of 7 different species including cucumber magnolia, tamarack, thornless hawthorn, horse chestnut, and northern catalpa. None of the trees that were planted were previously represented in the city, thus diversifying the city’s canopy, and making it more resilient to future pests, diseases, and climate conditions.
Without the assistance, commitment, and enthusiasm of Chris Klar, this project would never have happened. In addition, recognition should be shown not only to the City of Medicine Lake, but its residents, as well. They were equally enthusiastic and made short work of planting 40 trees.
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award – Susan Lindoo
Susan Lindoo has been chosen as the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for her significant contributions to community forestry, especially in Newport and Southeast Washington County.Susan serves as a tree Care Advisor, member of the Washington County Parks and Open Space Commission Technical Advisory Committee as a doer and liaison and recruiter. She puts in way more than the required 25 hours per year, attends all the TCA trainings, and inspires and coaches others, including Master Gardeners, to be Citizen Pruner, Tree Steward or Citizen Tree Inventory volunteers by organizing these training programs for the various communities including Newport, Oakdale, Saint Paul Park.
Susan was also responsible for developing and installing the interpretive signage at the Bailey School Forest in Newport, MN. The forest and the signage are regularly used for local school tours and classes on forest trees and their uses.
Gary R. Johnson Leadership Award – Gina Hugo
Gina Hugo, Parks Coordinator of Sherburne County Parks and Recreation is not only receiving the highest achievement award for her commitment to the advancement of community forestry, but she is deservedly receiving the first Gary R Johnson Leadership Award.We have renamed this award to recognize the influences of Gary who nominated her.This award going forward will pay homage to a man who has had such significant influence on Urban and Community Forestry in Minnesota that it is nearly impossible to separate the concept from Gary R Johnson in this region.
Gina Hugo has been a tireless promoter of urban and community forestry for the past decade in the Sherburne County area. She is the Coordinator for Sherburne County Parks but under her tenure as a forestry technician with the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District she worked with the communities of Elk River, Big Lake, Becker and Zimmerman as well as all of the residents of the county to engage and train volunteers and municipal employees to better prepare their communities for the onslaught of emerald ash borer and increased storm damage. Gina worked with the Tree Care Advocate program to bring community-based programs such as Citizen Pruners and Tree Stewards, as well as the first community gravel beds to the county.
Gina has made education and volunteerism to Sherburne County through many programs, like Master Gardeners, Citizen Pruners, Tree Stewards. She hosted young tree pruning clinics for city and county staff throughout the metro, and got the first county gravel bed started through the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District. Gina also is an active participant in the Sand Plain Forestry Professionals and advocates for community trees at legislative hearings.
2018 Award Recipients
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Leadership Award – Susan Burks
In her distinguished career, Susan Burks has proven that you can see the forest and the trees. Susan and her project partner are now “handing off” PlayCleanGo – Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks to NAISMA, a national, Susan and Kimberly Lanihan-Lahti began, grew, and nurtured the program until it was standard in North America, and had outgrown its DNR home. For the prior eight years, Susan was DNR’s Central forest health specialist. Before that, at MO Dept. of Conservation, the plant pathologist and key mover and visionary for MO Forest Keepers (utilizing citizen foresters), and a Master’s from Colorado State. |
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Volunteer Service Award – The Autonomous Collective of Minnesota
The Autonomous Collective of MN (AC) is a consortium of small business owners based in Minneapolis intent on working together to make a difference in their community. In 2017, founders Jason Rathe, Jim Walsh and Steve Modrow connected with Tree Trust to brainstorm ideas on how they could utilize their resources-staff and fundraising power-to improve the canopy of North Minneapolis following the 2011 tornado. The AC reached out to other small businesses and are now over ten members strong. Each member pledges a certain amount and solicitations are made to clients to increase their impact. They truly are making an impact together in a way that is innovative and addresses a specific need.
The Autonomous Collective of MN (AC) is a consortium of small business owners based in Minneapolis intent on working together to make a difference in their community. In 2017, founders Jason Rathe, Jim Walsh and Steve Modrow connected with Tree Trust to brainstorm ideas on how they could utilize their resources-staff and fundraising power-to improve the canopy of North Minneapolis following the 2011 tornado. The AC reached out to other small businesses and are now over ten members strong. Each member pledges a certain amount and solicitations are made to clients to increase their impact. They truly are making an impact together in a way that is innovative and addresses a specific need.
Innovation Award – Susan Burks and Kimberly Lanihan-Lahti
In 2009-2010, after being awarded a grant at DNR to combat destructive terrestrial invasive species, Susan Burks and Kimberly Lanihan-Lahti began work on what was to become PlayCleanGo – Stopping Invasive Species In Your Tracks. They explored social research to learn more about recreational users of the great outdoors, their behaviors and knowledge of natural systems.
Outstanding Volunteer Service – Mississippi Park Connection
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area’s urban canopy faces increasing pressure from invasive pests, a changing climate, and challenges with regeneration. Plant for the Future is Mississippi Park Connection’s program committed to reforesting the MNRRA. Last year, 910 volunteers gave more than 3,000 hours to help plant 5,500 trees that varied from 35 different species in 15 different river parks. Mississippi Park Connection partnered with two local brewery volunteer groups to plant 3,000 trees. We worked with 12 partners on CCMI projects. Mississippi Park Connection built 6 gravel bed tree nurseries to help grow and store bare-root trees for later planting. Mississippi Park Connection also partnered with the National Park Service for two years, studying the best way to replant cottonwood trees.
Outstanding Project Award – Elmer Elm Tree
In 1978 the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) Forestry Department began an aggressive program of hastily removing diseased elms. When First Bank (now US Bank) recognized the impact of DED they funded an effort to educate the public about the importance of DED identification. This led to paying for a costumed tree mascot to bring attention to this cause. As a result “Elmer the Elm Tree” was created in 1978 to encouraged residents to report the symptoms of DED. This became known as “Elm Watch”. First Bank funded college students to bring Elmer to City events. By the early 1980s Elmer joined MPRB Forestry to help educate residents about tree benefits and care. He has spent 40 years improving the Minneapolis urban forest.
For 40 years Elmer the Elm Tree has spread a positive message about caring for trees during community events such as Arbor Day celebrations, neighborhood festivals, school carnivals and parades. He visits schools where students help plant trees. Estimates are that Elmer reached ½ million + residents since 1978 (https://file.ac/RdJ9aWydg4s/). During 2018’s Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration, 1000+ residents helped celebrate Elmer’s 40th birthday which was noted in the Mayor’s Arbor Day Proclamation. Elmer’s birthday included attendees singing “Happy Birthday” while the Arborator Band provided accompaniment from a tree crown. We proudly offers this nomination as an inspiration to other municipalities that are challenged caring for trees.
The Autonomous Collective of MN (AC) is a consortium of small business owners based in Minneapolis intent on working together to make a difference in their community. In 2017, founders Jason Rathe, Jim Walsh and Steve Modrow connected with Tree Trust to brainstorm ideas on how they could utilize their resources-staff and fundraising power-to improve the canopy of North Minneapolis following the 2011 tornado. The AC reached out to other small businesses and are now over ten members strong. Each member pledges a certain amount and solicitations are made to clients to increase their impact. They truly are making an impact together in a way that is innovative and addresses a specific need.
The Autonomous Collective of MN (AC) is a consortium of small business owners based in Minneapolis intent on working together to make a difference in their community. In 2017, founders Jason Rathe, Jim Walsh and Steve Modrow connected with Tree Trust to brainstorm ideas on how they could utilize their resources-staff and fundraising power-to improve the canopy of North Minneapolis following the 2011 tornado. The AC reached out to other small businesses and are now over ten members strong. Each member pledges a certain amount and solicitations are made to clients to increase their impact. They truly are making an impact together in a way that is innovative and addresses a specific need.
Innovation Award – Susan Burks and Kimberly Lanihan-Lahti
In 2009-2010, after being awarded a grant at DNR to combat destructive terrestrial invasive species, Susan Burks and Kimberly Lanihan-Lahti began work on what was to become PlayCleanGo – Stopping Invasive Species In Your Tracks. They explored social research to learn more about recreational users of the great outdoors, their behaviors and knowledge of natural systems.
Outstanding Volunteer Service – Mississippi Park Connection
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area’s urban canopy faces increasing pressure from invasive pests, a changing climate, and challenges with regeneration. Plant for the Future is Mississippi Park Connection’s program committed to reforesting the MNRRA. Last year, 910 volunteers gave more than 3,000 hours to help plant 5,500 trees that varied from 35 different species in 15 different river parks. Mississippi Park Connection partnered with two local brewery volunteer groups to plant 3,000 trees. We worked with 12 partners on CCMI projects. Mississippi Park Connection built 6 gravel bed tree nurseries to help grow and store bare-root trees for later planting. Mississippi Park Connection also partnered with the National Park Service for two years, studying the best way to replant cottonwood trees.
Outstanding Project Award – Elmer Elm Tree
In 1978 the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) Forestry Department began an aggressive program of hastily removing diseased elms. When First Bank (now US Bank) recognized the impact of DED they funded an effort to educate the public about the importance of DED identification. This led to paying for a costumed tree mascot to bring attention to this cause. As a result “Elmer the Elm Tree” was created in 1978 to encouraged residents to report the symptoms of DED. This became known as “Elm Watch”. First Bank funded college students to bring Elmer to City events. By the early 1980s Elmer joined MPRB Forestry to help educate residents about tree benefits and care. He has spent 40 years improving the Minneapolis urban forest.
For 40 years Elmer the Elm Tree has spread a positive message about caring for trees during community events such as Arbor Day celebrations, neighborhood festivals, school carnivals and parades. He visits schools where students help plant trees. Estimates are that Elmer reached ½ million + residents since 1978 (https://file.ac/RdJ9aWydg4s/). During 2018’s Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration, 1000+ residents helped celebrate Elmer’s 40th birthday which was noted in the Mayor’s Arbor Day Proclamation. Elmer’s birthday included attendees singing “Happy Birthday” while the Arborator Band provided accompaniment from a tree crown. We proudly offers this nomination as an inspiration to other municipalities that are challenged caring for trees.
2016 Award Recipients
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Leadership Award - Eric North is the recipient of the MN Community Forestry Leadership Award, Awarded for outstanding leadership and commitment to the advancement of community forestry, this is the highest achievement award. Eric was triple nominated for this award which is a reflection of his popularity.
Outstanding Project Award - Jen Gehlhar is receiving the Outstanding Project Award for leading, coordinating, laboring, recruiting, promoting, crafting and more for the MNDOT Community Roadside Partnership along the Little Bohemia Bike Trail, which runs along the eastern edge of Interstate 35E in St.Paul. Outstanding Project Award - Target Volunteer Council, Ryan Companies, and S&S Tree and Horticultural Services worked together to Improve the School Grounds at the American Indian Magnet School at 3rd and Burns in St. Paul. |
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Outstanding Project Award - Patti Sullivan is the recipient of an Outstanding Project Award for the Roseville Community Orchard. The Roseville Community Orchard is a publicly accessible demonstration orchard. It utilizes volunteers to maintain the plants and harvest the produce as well as teach the community about sustainable food sources. This Orchard will provide long-term fresh food access to those in need.
Volunteer Service Award - Lynn and George Welles are receiving this award for their dedication to the Minnesota Chapter’s Tree Climbing Championship. The TCC is a year long commitment filled with tons of logistics, mastering knowledge, recruiting volunteers, finding new sites, recruiting prizes and sponsorship… not to mention managing the days competitions.
Volunteer Service Award - The Midtown-Frogtown Arborators Band is a collective of metro area arborists, forestry students, and lovers of trees with instruments. They perform polkas, waltzes and other upbeat tunes.
Treescaping Award - Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department collaborated with the Department of Public Works to develop a Forestry Supplement that was incorporated into the City Standard Specifications.
Practitioners Award of Excellence - Steve Schumacher fits this role well. Steve is always ready and willing to help out where he can.
Practitioners Award of Excellence - Tony Molitor will be retiring next month after 40 years with the City of Eden Prairie. In that time, Tony has removed tens of thousands of elm trees as an expert tree feller and he has planted, watered and pruned hundreds of park and right of way trees.
Volunteer Service Award - Lynn and George Welles are receiving this award for their dedication to the Minnesota Chapter’s Tree Climbing Championship. The TCC is a year long commitment filled with tons of logistics, mastering knowledge, recruiting volunteers, finding new sites, recruiting prizes and sponsorship… not to mention managing the days competitions.
Volunteer Service Award - The Midtown-Frogtown Arborators Band is a collective of metro area arborists, forestry students, and lovers of trees with instruments. They perform polkas, waltzes and other upbeat tunes.
Treescaping Award - Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department collaborated with the Department of Public Works to develop a Forestry Supplement that was incorporated into the City Standard Specifications.
Practitioners Award of Excellence - Steve Schumacher fits this role well. Steve is always ready and willing to help out where he can.
Practitioners Award of Excellence - Tony Molitor will be retiring next month after 40 years with the City of Eden Prairie. In that time, Tony has removed tens of thousands of elm trees as an expert tree feller and he has planted, watered and pruned hundreds of park and right of way trees.
2015 Award Recipients
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Leadership Award - Jim Ostvig for leadership, management, and organization of "The Day of Service" honoring our Veterans.
Leadership - Gail Nozal for quiet leadership in All Things Minnesota Community Forestry Outstanding Volunteer Service Award - Minnesota Community Forestry Act Team for commitment to the Minnesota Community Forestry Act. Jim Vaughn, Ken Holman, Kevin McDonald, Jeff Hafner, Karen Zumach, Tim Power, Sarah Rudolph, Michael Orange Innovation Award - MSA Women's Conference Committee for finally planning the Inaugural Women's Conference Treescaping Award - City of La Cresent for their replanting efforts Practitioners Award of Excellence - Jeff Jepson for having a worldwide impact on the Practice of Arboriculture Toothless Saw - Lara Newberger for her amazing attitude, constant smile, and ease of laughter |
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2014 Award Recipients
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MSA President's Award
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
Treescaping Award
Outstanding Project Award
Practitioners Award of Excellence
Leadership Award
Innovation Award
Toothless Saw
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2013 Recipients
Volunteer Service Award
Treescaping Award
Outstanding Project Award
Outstanding Project Award
Practitioner’s Award of Excellence
Leadership Award
Innovation Award
Toothless Saw
- Glen Hambleton - Glen worked on a Best Planting Practices guide for Minnesota along with Cameron Kytonen, the city forester of Andover. The project included review of scientific literature and survey of practitioners. There was no financial gain; it was a labor of love for trees. Glen is a trained Tree Care Advisor and has logged more than 1,000 hours in local and state projects. He serves on committees including the MnSTAC Board of Directors, and assists with forums and seminars. He throws his spirit into outreach whenever he can.
- Frogtown Tree Frogs - The City of Saint Paul Forestry Section forged a partnership with the group now known as the Frogtown Tree Frogs, with the goal to increase tree canopy cover on private property in Frogtown. Arbor Day in Frogtown is a model for all Arbor Day celebrations in Saint Paul, with the Arborators Band providing music, local healthy food advocates offering food cooking demonstrations, artists providing children’s crafts and the annual creation of the Dale Street Pop-up Tree Park. Without the commitment from the Tree Frogs a similar partnership in another neighborhood may not have lasted three years.
Treescaping Award
- Barb Spears - Barb is recognized for a residential tree inventory and tree planting project. Working on a shoe-string budget, she trained 25 of her neighbors (plus two Tree Care Advisors, two kids and two dogs) to identify measure and inventory the trees in their neighborhood. Following the inventory, Barb hustled for every donation dollar she could find and in the autumn of 2010, she spear-headed the purchase of 61 Minnesota-native trees representing five different species. She will continue with a status check and report in 2014.
Outstanding Project Award
- Gina Hugo, Sherburne County Soil & Water Conservation District - Gina is said to have accomplished 20 years worth of community engagement and preparedness work last year in the Sherburne County cities of Big Lake, Becker, Elk River, Princeton and Zimmerman.
Outstanding Project Award
- Cheryl Culbreth, CEO of Landscape Restorations - While busting buckthorn in Minnetonka, Cheryl innovated a handy tool that makes cut stump treatment of woody undesired plants such as buckthorn effective, handy, clean and efficient by applying the herbicide exactly where it needs to go; no heavy tanks or spill able cups in the woods. Cheryl gladly seizes any opportunity to educate people about buckthorn and garlic mustard management.
Practitioner’s Award of Excellence
- Chad Giblin, University of Minnesota - Chad is recognized for excellence in elm research and outreach. He wrote the definitive tome on nurturing young and scrawny elms into towering and healthy canopies. “Pruning Young Elms” was authored by Chad in 2010, and he is currently working on a new edition. Chad is a highly sought-after speaker on elms and elm care in the eastern half of the US and regularly assists communities, tree care companies and volunteers with practical, field classes on elm planting and care. His love for elms carries the spirit of Dave French and the passion of Mark Stennes.
Leadership Award
- Jim Vaughan, City of St. Louis Park - Jim is being recognized for dedicated service to Minnesota community forestry. His dedicated service to the committees and boards of both the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture and the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee, including the Minnesota chapter liaison to the International Society of Arboriculture’s Council of Representatives are examples of the influence and involvement that we all should follow if we truly want Minnesota to be a national example for urban forestry. It’s hard to find a year when Jim isn’t part of a committee, sub-committee, ad-hoc committee or volunteer group on some tree care project. There are few members of MSA or MnSTAC who have been more involved than Jim during the last couple of decades. Jim is respected for his thoughtful perspectives on so many issues.
Innovation Award
- No Award for 2013
Toothless Saw
- No Award for 2013
2007 Award Recipients
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award:
Jane Klein - For her passionate contribution of over 550 hours as Tree Care Advisor and Founding Oakdale Tree Board Member.
Outstanding Partnership Award:
Hutchinson Utilities Commission and City of Hutchinson - For the Energy Tree Planting Project which exemplifies Hutchinson Utilities commitment to the communities forest through cooperation with City Forestry.
Stewardship Award:
The City of Red Wing - For the Urban Forest Management Program, building capacity through education, tree management and systematic tree maintenance.
Sponsorship Award:
Ann G. Salovich - For sponsoring and supporting the Tree Production Research at the University of Minnesota, TRE nursery.
Innovation Award:
Bonestroo and Tree Trust - For the City Tree Sustainability guidelines and Best Practices.
Outstanding Arbor Day Celebration:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board - For “Branching out to Our Community” through the planting of 200 trees at Powderhorn Park and bringing together multiple partners of diverse interests.
Outstanding Media Award:
Austin Daily Herald - For 18 years of supporting “Spruce Up Austin” with monthly articles, annual Arbor Day Tabloid, promotions of programs and news coverage of events.
Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Award:
State of Minnesota Department of Administration, Grounds Services -
For WWII Memorial at the State Capitol Grounds: Princeton Elm Management.
Jane Klein - For her passionate contribution of over 550 hours as Tree Care Advisor and Founding Oakdale Tree Board Member.
Outstanding Partnership Award:
Hutchinson Utilities Commission and City of Hutchinson - For the Energy Tree Planting Project which exemplifies Hutchinson Utilities commitment to the communities forest through cooperation with City Forestry.
Stewardship Award:
The City of Red Wing - For the Urban Forest Management Program, building capacity through education, tree management and systematic tree maintenance.
Sponsorship Award:
Ann G. Salovich - For sponsoring and supporting the Tree Production Research at the University of Minnesota, TRE nursery.
Innovation Award:
Bonestroo and Tree Trust - For the City Tree Sustainability guidelines and Best Practices.
Outstanding Arbor Day Celebration:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board - For “Branching out to Our Community” through the planting of 200 trees at Powderhorn Park and bringing together multiple partners of diverse interests.
Outstanding Media Award:
Austin Daily Herald - For 18 years of supporting “Spruce Up Austin” with monthly articles, annual Arbor Day Tabloid, promotions of programs and news coverage of events.
Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Award:
State of Minnesota Department of Administration, Grounds Services -
For WWII Memorial at the State Capitol Grounds: Princeton Elm Management.
2006 Award Recipients
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award:
Bernie Anderson - For Leadership in New Richland Tree Plantings and Tree Board Contributions.
Stewardship Award:
Representative Diane Loffler - For spearheading the forum on Community Forestry in New Ulm to bring
awareness to forestry issues in their town - leading to the formation of a tree board.
Stewardship Award:
Mayor R.T. Rybak - For Leadership and Commitment to Urban Forestry.
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award:
Fred Rozumalski And Barr Engineering Volunteers - For the Minnetonka Natural Resources Stewardship Program
Outstanding Youth Project :
Matt Stone - For the Wadena's Walking Tree Memorial Lane
Outstanding Arbor Day Celebration:
Spruce Up Austin - For the 150 Heritage Tree Project
Outstanding Partnership Award:
Mayor R.T. Rybak And Tree Trust - For Minneapolis City Trees Project.
Bernie Anderson - For Leadership in New Richland Tree Plantings and Tree Board Contributions.
Stewardship Award:
Representative Diane Loffler - For spearheading the forum on Community Forestry in New Ulm to bring
awareness to forestry issues in their town - leading to the formation of a tree board.
Stewardship Award:
Mayor R.T. Rybak - For Leadership and Commitment to Urban Forestry.
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award:
Fred Rozumalski And Barr Engineering Volunteers - For the Minnetonka Natural Resources Stewardship Program
Outstanding Youth Project :
Matt Stone - For the Wadena's Walking Tree Memorial Lane
Outstanding Arbor Day Celebration:
Spruce Up Austin - For the 150 Heritage Tree Project
Outstanding Partnership Award:
Mayor R.T. Rybak And Tree Trust - For Minneapolis City Trees Project.
2005 Award Recipient
Outstanding Partnership Award:
City of Hutchinson Forestry & Planning and Zoning Departments
Topsoil Plan Turns to Trees
For pursuing a solution to improving the topsoil in the yards of new developments.
Outstanding Media Award:
Gregg Hove,
City of Eagan Forestry Website
For a website we can all utilize and take example from.
Stewardship Award:
Three Women of New Ulm Community Forestry
Dr. Ann Vogel, Penny Purtzer, Dianne Rodenberg
For spearheading the forum on Community Forestry in New Ulm to bring awareness to forestry issues in their town - leading to the formation of a tree board.
Stewardship Award:
Mark Schnobrich
For being the consummate community forestry manager, a tireless ambassador for trees.
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award:
Plymouth Avenue Green Team
Legacy Village Green Team
For an exemplary effort to improve the green infrastructure of Plymouth Avenue Neighborhoods through assessment, planning, organizing and planting.
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award:
Greg Krogstad
For engaging in various activities in service to improve Minnesota Urban and Community Forestry through unpaid community service.
Innovation Award:
Forestry Vision Team
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
For creating the Forestry Vision Team to increase and improve the level of communication among field personnel, supervisors and management.
Outstanding Media Award for and Arbor Day Celebration:
"The Price is Right" - Arbor Day 2005
C.E.L. Public Relations, Inc and Ken Holman, Mn DNR, Division of Forestry.
For creating a newsworthy Arbor Day celebration tied to the timely release of a new study highlighting the monetary value of trees.
City of Hutchinson Forestry & Planning and Zoning Departments
Topsoil Plan Turns to Trees
For pursuing a solution to improving the topsoil in the yards of new developments.
Outstanding Media Award:
Gregg Hove,
City of Eagan Forestry Website
For a website we can all utilize and take example from.
Stewardship Award:
Three Women of New Ulm Community Forestry
Dr. Ann Vogel, Penny Purtzer, Dianne Rodenberg
For spearheading the forum on Community Forestry in New Ulm to bring awareness to forestry issues in their town - leading to the formation of a tree board.
Stewardship Award:
Mark Schnobrich
For being the consummate community forestry manager, a tireless ambassador for trees.
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award:
Plymouth Avenue Green Team
Legacy Village Green Team
For an exemplary effort to improve the green infrastructure of Plymouth Avenue Neighborhoods through assessment, planning, organizing and planting.
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award:
Greg Krogstad
For engaging in various activities in service to improve Minnesota Urban and Community Forestry through unpaid community service.
Innovation Award:
Forestry Vision Team
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
For creating the Forestry Vision Team to increase and improve the level of communication among field personnel, supervisors and management.
Outstanding Media Award for and Arbor Day Celebration:
"The Price is Right" - Arbor Day 2005
C.E.L. Public Relations, Inc and Ken Holman, Mn DNR, Division of Forestry.
For creating a newsworthy Arbor Day celebration tied to the timely release of a new study highlighting the monetary value of trees.
2004 Award Recipients
Distinguished Service Award:
Janet Larson
for Significantly contributing to urban and community forestry through seemingly tireless hours spreading stewardship far and wide.
Outstanding Arbor Day Celebration Award:
Festival of Trees
Steve Sylvester, S&S Tree; Dave Sundmark, City of Saint Paul
for organizing the Festival of Trees, a community celebration which best commemorates and furthers the Arbor Day ideal
Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Award:
City of Crystal,
Edgewood Gardens tree preservation
for preserving trees during the Edgewood Gardens redevelopment project, through planning, arboricultural practices and a cooperative spirit between City departments and contractors.
Stewardship Award:
Michael Max, EnvironMentor Services
Todd Carroll, Mn/DOT, Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator
for allowing or development and launching of
MN/DOT's comprehensive new Plant Selector website.
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award:
City of Saint Louis Park, 2004 Arbor Day Partnership
for reforesting the Southwest Regional trail and Midtown Greenway with hundreds of volunteers planting over one hundred trees in
Saint Louis Park.
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award:
Tim Wallace
for many volunteer hours and vigilance ensuring the success of MN/DOT partnership and city plantings in the Wayzata area.
Innovation Award:
Jay Maier and Sharon Tuntland, Citizen Forester Program
for creating and initiating the Rochester Citizen Forester program that is a blueprint for other communities that wish to maximize their community forestry funds and resources.
Outstanding Partnership Award:
The Rotary International, Area 8, District 5950 and
City of Buffalo Minnesota
Buffalo Lake, Minnesota "Trees After the Tornado" Project
for initiating, planning, fundraising, expert seeking, and organizing a replanting project in tornado torn Buffalo Lake.
Janet Larson
for Significantly contributing to urban and community forestry through seemingly tireless hours spreading stewardship far and wide.
Outstanding Arbor Day Celebration Award:
Festival of Trees
Steve Sylvester, S&S Tree; Dave Sundmark, City of Saint Paul
for organizing the Festival of Trees, a community celebration which best commemorates and furthers the Arbor Day ideal
Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Award:
City of Crystal,
Edgewood Gardens tree preservation
for preserving trees during the Edgewood Gardens redevelopment project, through planning, arboricultural practices and a cooperative spirit between City departments and contractors.
Stewardship Award:
Michael Max, EnvironMentor Services
Todd Carroll, Mn/DOT, Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator
for allowing or development and launching of
MN/DOT's comprehensive new Plant Selector website.
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award:
City of Saint Louis Park, 2004 Arbor Day Partnership
for reforesting the Southwest Regional trail and Midtown Greenway with hundreds of volunteers planting over one hundred trees in
Saint Louis Park.
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award:
Tim Wallace
for many volunteer hours and vigilance ensuring the success of MN/DOT partnership and city plantings in the Wayzata area.
Innovation Award:
Jay Maier and Sharon Tuntland, Citizen Forester Program
for creating and initiating the Rochester Citizen Forester program that is a blueprint for other communities that wish to maximize their community forestry funds and resources.
Outstanding Partnership Award:
The Rotary International, Area 8, District 5950 and
City of Buffalo Minnesota
Buffalo Lake, Minnesota "Trees After the Tornado" Project
for initiating, planning, fundraising, expert seeking, and organizing a replanting project in tornado torn Buffalo Lake.
2003 Award Recipients
Outstanding Volunteer Project
Diamond Path Elementary School for
“Planting for the Future”
Mosaic Youth Group, for Transplanting
Lilacs along Lilac Way
Fern Hill Neighborhood Association, for
Park spruce up, including buckthorn control
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Paula Denman
Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association
Outstanding Youth Project
Biology Students of North High School, for
Hwy 36 Corridor Planting and Maintenance
Pa Cha Yang, for Buckthorn Research
Outstanding Partnership
MNDOT & Friends of Wood Lake, for
Children's Forest
City of Proctor and MNDOT
Midtown Community Works Partnership
Outstanding Arbor Day
MPRB, Tree Trust, Folwell & Riverside
Parks,
Pioneer and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery
Community Forestry Maintenance
City of St. Paul, Capital City Lights
City of Fergus Falls
Distinguished Service Award
Mike Zins
Glen Shirley
Media Award
Arbor Month Partnership, Minnesota Arbor
Day Coverage
Great River Energy and Minnesota Power,
for Revision of Right Tree Handbook
Innovation
Great River Greening
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board,
Forestry Preservation Officer position
MPRB and Tree Trust, Video Production
For New Boulevard Tree Neighbors
Diamond Path Elementary School for
“Planting for the Future”
Mosaic Youth Group, for Transplanting
Lilacs along Lilac Way
Fern Hill Neighborhood Association, for
Park spruce up, including buckthorn control
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Paula Denman
Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association
Outstanding Youth Project
Biology Students of North High School, for
Hwy 36 Corridor Planting and Maintenance
Pa Cha Yang, for Buckthorn Research
Outstanding Partnership
MNDOT & Friends of Wood Lake, for
Children's Forest
City of Proctor and MNDOT
Midtown Community Works Partnership
Outstanding Arbor Day
MPRB, Tree Trust, Folwell & Riverside
Parks,
Pioneer and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery
Community Forestry Maintenance
City of St. Paul, Capital City Lights
City of Fergus Falls
Distinguished Service Award
Mike Zins
Glen Shirley
Media Award
Arbor Month Partnership, Minnesota Arbor
Day Coverage
Great River Energy and Minnesota Power,
for Revision of Right Tree Handbook
Innovation
Great River Greening
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board,
Forestry Preservation Officer position
MPRB and Tree Trust, Video Production
For New Boulevard Tree Neighbors
2002 Award Recipients
Glen R Shirley
Distinguished Service Award
For: His Dedication to the People and Trees of Minnesota through his service to MNSTAC
Will Hawkinson
Outstanding Youth Project
For: Reforesting Highway 55 in Plymouth
The Fern Hill Neighborhood Association
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award
For: Their Invaluable Contribution to the St. Louis Park Arbor Day in Fern Hill Park
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Outstanding Arbor Day
For: "Reconnecting Our River Roots" at North Mississippi Regional Park
Mosaic Youth Group
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award
For: Excellent Volunteerism on the Hwy 100 Lilac Moving Project in Crystal
City of Proctor and MN/DOT District 1
Outstanding Partnership Project Award
For: Their Highway 2 Planting in Downtown Proctor
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Innovation Award
For: Creating the Position of Forestry Preservation Coordinator
Mike Haugen
Stewardship Award
For: Saving Trees from the Ground up at the Twin Cities University of Minnesota Facilities
City of St. Paul, Forestry
Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Award
For: Capital City Lights
City of Ramsey Environmental Expo and Tree Sales
Award of Special Merit
For: Innovation in Building Environmental Awareness and Community
Distinguished Service Award
For: His Dedication to the People and Trees of Minnesota through his service to MNSTAC
Will Hawkinson
Outstanding Youth Project
For: Reforesting Highway 55 in Plymouth
The Fern Hill Neighborhood Association
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award
For: Their Invaluable Contribution to the St. Louis Park Arbor Day in Fern Hill Park
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Outstanding Arbor Day
For: "Reconnecting Our River Roots" at North Mississippi Regional Park
Mosaic Youth Group
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award
For: Excellent Volunteerism on the Hwy 100 Lilac Moving Project in Crystal
City of Proctor and MN/DOT District 1
Outstanding Partnership Project Award
For: Their Highway 2 Planting in Downtown Proctor
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Innovation Award
For: Creating the Position of Forestry Preservation Coordinator
Mike Haugen
Stewardship Award
For: Saving Trees from the Ground up at the Twin Cities University of Minnesota Facilities
City of St. Paul, Forestry
Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Award
For: Capital City Lights
City of Ramsey Environmental Expo and Tree Sales
Award of Special Merit
For: Innovation in Building Environmental Awareness and Community