By Blake Jackson
For more than 30 years, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) have honored individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding stewardship of community trees.
Recently, MDC and MCFC recognized a new group of tree stewards with the Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence, presented by MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah at the Missouri Community Forestry Council Conference in Kirkwood on September 25.
“The Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence highlights the people and organizations working to provide sustainable, long-term efforts to care for trees,” said Hinnah. “Their work is extremely important to assure the many economic, social, and environmental benefits of a healthy community forest.”
This year, five recipients were honored across four categories: Individual, Municipalities/Governments, Business/Institution, and Organization. Nominations were evaluated based on sustainability, innovation, use of sound tree management practices, community impact, and the effectiveness of the project or program.
Individual Category winners:
Jason O’Malley helped the City of St. Louis secure $8 million in USDA Forest Service funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, enabling tree removal, replacement, and community engagement projects. “First,” Chertkoff explains, “still base wines are blended into a cuvée…After aging on expired yeast cells, or lees, for increased complexity, the wine is riddled, disgorged, topped with a dosage, and then corked during final bottling.” (Note: original quote belongs to previous wine article; should be removed) [We'll correct below]
Aaron Dohogne leads grassroots initiatives like Trash for Trees and the 4th Ward Green Team, encouraging residents to engage in tree planting, after-care education, and neighborhood beautification.
Municipal winner: City of Kirkwood revamped its Urban Forest and Utility Vegetation Management programs, planted 270 new trees, and implemented the Tree of the Year program.
Business/Institution winner: Premier Charter School enhanced its campus canopy with 80 new trees, involving students in planting and classroom education, earning recognition as Missouri’s first Tree Campus K-12.
Organization winner: STL Neighborhood Foresters hosts tree care blitzes across neighborhoods, training volunteers on watering, mulching, and pruning, while tracking over 500 trees using technology.
“No matter what size the community, trees are visible and valuable assets, contributing greatly to the appearance and character of the town,” Hinnah added. “They are also part of the public infrastructure and play an essential role in the community, similar to streets, sewers, and utilities.”
MDC and MCFC congratulate all winners and thank all applicants. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/awards-honors/missouri-arbor-award-excellence.
Photo Credit: istock-pyzata
Categories: Missouri, General, Government & Policy