The Phillips Environment-Transportation-Community (ETC), Minneapolis, Minnesota, recipient of one of five 2000 Project Awards in recognition of outstanding collaborative efforts involving tree planting and environmental stewardship. The Phillips ETC collaborated with the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board and the Twin Cities Tree Trust to plant trees at 42 boulevard addresses and in two area parks. The Phillips ETC was created to coordinate environmental projects in the Phillips neighborhood of South Minneapolis and involves diverse citizens in tree planting, community gardening, and neighborhood park renovation. The Capital Area Greenbelt Association, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, winner of a Project Award. The Capital Area Greenbelt was originally designed in 1904 to encircle Harrisburg and cross five municipalities, though the project was never completed. Through the work of Norm Lacasse, Pennsylvania Urban Forestry Coordinator, and thousands of volunteers, the 20-mile greenway has been restored and completed. The New York Restoration Project, New York, New York, winner of a Project Award for its work in uncovering, reclaiming, and cleaning neglected public spaces. Launched by entertainer Bette Midler in 1995, the project has reclaimed more than 119 abandoned acres, including four miles of covered pathways in historic Highbridge Park along the Harlem River, and has helped make the 200 acres of Fort Tryon, Gorman, and Washington Parks clean and safe. Currently the Project is working with the Trust For the Public Land to save 112 community gardens in New York City. Fauna & Flora International's Global Trees Campaign, Cambridge, England, honored with a Project Award for its work to save the world's most threatened tree species. The Campaign has identified more than 20 projects, with plans now being implemented in Malaysia, Vietnam, Jamaica, Panama, Mexico, and Brazil. The Iowa Buffer Alliance, Des Moines, Iowa, recipient of the final 2000 Project Award for establishing thousands of acres of conservation buffers. Since its creation in 1997 the Alliance has improved water quality, provided more wildlife habitat, and enhanced the environmental quality of private land. Leaders in tree planting and environmental stewardship from around the country and world will be honored by The Arbor Day Foundation at its 28th annual Arbor Day Awards celebration to be held in Nebraska City, Nebraska on Saturday, April 29, 2000. The awards ceremony is part of the Arbor Day weekend celebration held in Nebraska City from April 28-30. Award winners are recognized for their leadership in the cause of tree planting, conservation, and environmental stewardship. |