Nominations being accepted for Missouri Arbor Award of ExcellenceWednesday, October 14, 2009MDC and MCFC encourage nominations of local tree stewards for award recognition.JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) are accepting nominations for the 2010 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence. The annual award recognizes communities, institutions and individuals that act as good stewards for trees in their communities through significant and sustained efforts to improve community forest health.
“Trees are visible and valuable assets to any community,” explained Justine Gartner of the MDC’s Forestry Division and award coordinator for the Department. “They greatly contribute to a community’s appearance and character. They also provide many benefits, such as increased property value, improved air quality, energy savings, protection for watersheds, wildlife habitat and more.”
She added that the overall health and attractiveness of any community's trees depends on many people practicing good tree stewardship on public and private property.
“Well designed tree plantings and sustained long-term care of existing trees are important parts of assuring a healthy community forest,” said Gartner. “We encourage people to consider the wonderful tree work done in their communities and to nominate those who made it possible.”
To win recognition, nominations must outline how the care of trees has significantly contributed to their town or area, and show that the work is part of a sustainable long-term effort.
The award nomination deadline is December 4. For more information and nomination forms, visit
www.missouriconservation.org and search Arbor Award.
The Missouri Community Forestry Council strives to promote safe, healthy, attractive trees in our town and cities. For more information, visit
www.mocommunitytrees.com.
The Conservation Department is available to assist in the development of sustainable community forests throughout Missouri. For more information, visit
www.missouriconservation.org.
http://mdc.mo.gov/cgi-bin/news/news_search.cgi?item=1255532814,81472,
