Vermont Tree Steward Awards

Lets Honor GREAT Work Together!

Your 2009 Vermont Tree Stewards

Practitioner: Godfrey Renaud

For his early detection of hemlock woolly adelgid in southeastern Vermont. FPR foresters Barbara Burns and Bill Guenther said Renaud exemplifies a “heads-up approach to tree work.” By staying abreast of the current status of the insect, keeping an eye out for the unexpected in the course of routine tree maintenance and rapid reporting of the detection, Renaud was able to jumpstart Vermont’s state response.

Renaud has earned an excellent reputation as an arborist in southeastern Vermont. His competence starts with a strong knowledge base, including a forestry degree from the University of Massachusetts and certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.

Community: Town of Peacham

For its “hard work in protecting and maintaining the current canopy and planting new trees to ensure that ‘noble’ trees will line their streets and public spaces for generations to come.”

Nominated by Kate Forrer at the UVM Extension, the Peacham Tree Board capitalized on available grants to take a tree inventory and create a management plan. The Peacham Tree Board joined the ranks of the prestigious Tree City USA program in 2009.

Volunteer Group: Transition Town Manchester

For selling 350 fruit trees as part of the worldwide 350.org event to reduce global carbon dioxide levels. The group’s goal was to increase local food production while absorbing carbon for years to come.

“What a wonderful way to introduce a new approach to community forestry, and to strengthen and enhance Manchester’s demonstrated long-term commitment to trees,” wrote Lee Krohn, Manchester’s planning director, who nominated the group.

Leader: Sarah Albert

For her “inspiration and driving force behind many projects of great benefit to Plainfield,” according to the Plainfield Conservation Commission, which nominated her.

Albert is largely responsible for the maintenance of older trees in the heart of the village, through the Street Trees Program. She was instrumental in the planning, creation of and continuing care for the village park, transforming a parking lot into a haven of beautiful trees and flowers. 

The annual tree and shrub sale, which Albert helped start and has managed for nine years, would not be the success it has been without her dedication and energy. This sale brings many hardy, beneficial trees and plants to Plainfield citizens and public places, funds for conservation projects and matching monies for tree project grants.

In its nomination letter, the Plainfield Conservation Commission wrote, “The change in the community ulture has been noticeable. Residents have spontaneously ‘adopted’ the new trees, watering and tending them anonymously, but with obvious pride.”

Youth/Student: Mary Hogan School - Vickie Greenhouse's 4th Grade Students

For their efforts to plant 15 trees on school grounds in celebration of Arbor Day, 2009. East Middlebury resident Ruth Hardy, who nominated the youngsters, said the class used the event to research proper planting techniques and also wrote a class report on the benefits of trees for the school’s newsletter.

 

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We would like to thank Bartlett Tree Experts for their generous sponsorship for the 2009 Tree Stewards Awards Ceremony.

 

• Award Categories
• Nomination Information
• Vermont Tree Stewards

2008 Tree Steward Leader Clare Forseth with Governor Douglas and ANR Secretary Jonathan Wood.

Award Categories:

Community: A city or town in Vermont that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to, and achievement in, urban and community forestry.