2015 National Arbor Day Awards
The 2015 Arbor Day Awards honored thirteen individuals and organizations for their outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation and stewardship. Read their stories and watch videos about the winners by clicking on any award below. You can also view photos of the Arbor Day 2015 award weekend.
Governor Jerry Brown, Sacramento, CA
Champion of Trees Award
Governor Brown has played a key role in establishing community forestry in California. During his first term, The Urban Forestry Act of 1978 created an urban forestry program through state law. Since again becoming Governor in 2011, Brown has continued his legacy, leading to historic funding levels for California's Urban and Community Forestry Program. Brown signed a state budget on June 20, 2014, containing 17.8 million dollars for urban and community forestry –the largest one-year, single-state allocation for urban forestry in the entire history of the United States.
This year’s winners are:
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Promise to the Earth Award
Mary Kay Inc., Dallas, TX
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Award for Education Innovation
Evan Barnard, John’s Creek, GA
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Lawrence Enersen Award
John Royster, Omaha, NE
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Public Awareness of Trees Award
Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, MO
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Rachel Carson Award
Sherry Trebus and Workforce Solutions, Killeen, TX
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Arbor Day Celebration Award
Michigan Arbor Day Alliance, Charlotte, MI
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Excellence in Partnership Award
Friends of Trees, Portland, OR
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Excellence in Urban Forest Leadership Award
Howard Neukrug, Philadelphia, PA
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Forest Lands Leadership Award
Pike National Forest, Pueblo, CO
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Good Steward Award
W.S. Merwin, Haiku, HI
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Award for Excellence in Volunteer Management
Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Steamboat Springs, CO
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Frederick Law Olmsted Award
Dr. Nina Bassuk, Ithaca, NY
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Champion of Trees Award
Governor Jerry Brown, Sacramento, CA
Leaders in tree planting, conservation, and environmental stewardship from around the country and world are honored each year at our annual Arbor Day Awards celebration held in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The awards ceremony is part of the annual Arbor Day weekend celebration held at Lied Lodge & Conference Center.