2005 National Arbor Day AwardsGood Steward AwardHenry Kernan, Albany, New YorkAfter graduating from Yale Forestry School in 1941, Kernan went to the Andes of South America to search for the cinchona tree, a source of the quinine that was the only remedy for malaria at the time. He later worked with the United Nations Mission to Bolivia on forestry issues and taught sustainable forestry practices in many other countries. In all, Kernan helped improve conditions in 45 countries and founded the Forestry School in Spain. Back at home in the United States, Kernan purchased 1,200 acres of forest where today he shares his knowledge with visitors. He currently hosts "Woods Walks" for area nature groups and, in an annual May give-away, has distributed more than 50,000 seedling trees. Dr. Lawrence Burtner, Harrisonburg, VirginiaBurtner carefully manages his nearly 400 acres to slow urbanization and replenish overgrazed areas. Selling 25 acres for a new elementary school, Burtner has created ponds, picnic shelters, small wetlands, and wildlife habitat on the land. In addition to a sizeable garden space for himself, Burtner worked with the local school board to create a cross country track that runs through the property and is used by local high schools, colleges, and universities. Local schools enjoy Burtner's farm for field trips and a unique opportunity to learn about trees and plants and their relationship to the environment.
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