Honoring Mark Stennes

Mark Stennes has been a huge presence in the arboriculture profession for many years, from devising the Arbotect 20-S elm treatment protocol to lecturing on plant pathogens to serving as the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA) representative for the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF).  Because of his strong efforts and contributions to the Minnesota Community forestry profession, MSA, the State Fair and University of Minnesota have honored Mark with a tree.  Since Mark was instrumental in discovering the new “St. Croix elm”, we thought it appropriate that a St. Croix elm tree be planted in his honor. We also knew Mark had a long history with the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, so we put the two components together to create a St. Croix elm tree planting, on the state fairgrounds, in honor of Mark.

On Tuesday, October 15th , 2013 @10am,  a St. Croix elm tree, donated by the University of Minnesota, was  planted on the fairgrounds along Carnes Avenue (east of the WCCO building),  in honor of Mark. Map to the tree.   Because of its disease resistance, this tree will grow and flourish, in Mark’s spirit, for many generations to come. Photos of the event.

Mark and his family assisted in the planting of his tree.


-- Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator, City of St. Louis Park

---