Missourians recognized for making trees work in their communities

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-- For over 30 years, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) have recognized Missourians who prove themselves to be outstanding stewards of our community trees.

On August 22, a new group of recipients were acknowledged for their efforts with Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence. The awards were presented by MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah at the annual Missouri Community Forestry Council Conference in Columbia, Mo.

"The Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence highlight 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."

No matter what size the community, trees are visible and valuable assets, contributing to the appearance and character of the town. They are also part of the public infrastructure and play an essential role in the community, similar to streets, sewers, and utilities.

Nominations for this year's awards were evaluated based on sustainability, innovation, use of sound tree management principles, the contribution made to the community, and the effectiveness of the work, event, or program. Statewide, a total of four award winners were recognized.

Individual Category

Stan Stevens

Stan Stevens been an advocate for trees in Hermann for decades, including working to help the City of Hermann achieve their Tree City USA designation in 2005. He actively served as Hermann's tree board chair for many years and his dedication to the annual Arbor Day tree planting events is the primary reason Hermann has stayed in the Tree City USA program. His character, conduct, and knowledge of city function has helped the tree board to earn the trust of local elected officials since its inception. Stan was instrumental in two recent projects in Hermann, a street tree inventory and a large tree planting. At 85 years old, he helped each day with the inventory, measuring tree diameter and crown spread and marking possible planting sites. For the tree planting work, he met with the contractor to confirm planting locations and visited with homeowners to make sure they were aware of what maintenance the trees needed to survive. Stan's hard work and dedication to the Hermann community is exactly what the Arbor Awards are about.

Municipality/Government Category

City of Branson

North Beach Park sits on a peninsula just north of the Branson Landing, next to Lake Taneycomo. It is an integral part of the boardwalk's paved walking trail that runs along the lake. It's also known for a grove of cottonwood trees that tower over the green space and trail. The City of Branson took on an ambitious project to prolong the existing canopy and plan for the future by planting more trees and removing about an acre of invasive and unwanted vegetation around the cottonwoods. The work also included planting native flowers and shrubs, such as smooth sumac, coneflower, black-eyed susan, spicebush, ninebark and blackhaw. Their goal was to create an area that would attract wildlife, improve the ecosystem, and provide an educational experience for park visitors. City staff, local TreeKeeper volunteers, and local business partner ASM Global planted over forty new trees at the park, knowing that the old cottonwoods won't last forever. This was a big undertaking by the city but it will be enjoyed for many years in the future.

Business/Institution Category

Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University has shown its commitment to trees and conservation in multiple ways over the past couple years. First, Rockhurst met the requirements of the Tree Campus USA program to become the first Tree Campus in the Kansas City metro area. That effort has evolved into multiple projects, including 26 trees planted on campus and in nearby neighborhoods. They are actively maintaining these trees, plus they've helped with tree maintenance for other trees planted by the Heartland Tree Alliance. Rockhurst has used service projects, retreats, presentations, and classes to educate students, administration, and their board of trustees on the importance of trees. Rockhurst has also partnered with the City of Kansas City to remove invasive bush honeysuckle from Paseo War Memorial Park. Kansas City's urban forester, Kevin LaPointe, said their partnership is a labor of love for the team, and it shows in their meticulous work, teamwork, and commitment to environmental excellence.

Organization Category

St. Louis Municipal Opera Theater (The Muny)

The Muny in Forest Park has been in operation for over 100 years and is the oldest and largest outdoor theater in the United States. For decades, its stage was framed by two majestic bur oak trees thought to be hundreds of years old. When stage renovations were planned in 2017, a tree root inspection revealed extensive decay in both trees. Seven large trees were planted to replace the bur oaks, and scion wood was collected from the oaks to propagate new trees. The new stage was outfitted with silva cells, which are a type of suspended pavement that prevents soil from getting compacted around tree roots. Since the renovation and planting, the Muny team has continually upped their commitment to tree preservation. In 2022, sonic tomography was used to assess root decay on a swamp white oak on the grounds. Arborists also performed aerial inspections on mature cottonwoods, bur oaks, sycamores, and sweetgums to ensure their canopies were structurally sound. During plaza renovations this spring, the Muny transplanted a bur oak tree propagated from one of the original bur oaks. The Muny team's dedication to maintaining their status as a theater surrounded by trees demonstrates their commitment to preserving an important part of the theater and Forest Park's historic character.