The annual awards and holiday celebration was held on Thursday December 13th, at the new West Coast Arborist office in La Mesa. The Council recognized local professionals and community members for their local contributions to urban forestry. Please join us in thanking the following for their outstanding work! View award photos
Best Innovative Urban Forestry Project – Trejuvenation. This project is establishing sustainable markets for urban wood after trees have been cut down. Treejuvenation is working with the Green Building Council and promoting products that range from Biochar to lumber to sawdust. Their work stands out from the traditional tree planting projects.
Best Arbor Day Event – City of Encinitas Arbor Day. This event brought together tree-related vendors, community groups, and elected officials. There was a great educational program by City staff, a demonstration of wood milling, and an emphasis on tree benefits.
Best Urban Forestry Educational Project – Balboa Park Conservancy. The Conservancy launched a massive urban reforestation project over the past two years, with many state and local collaborators. They have brought urban forest education to schoolchildren, park visitors, Urban Corps youth, and others.
Best Regional Council Representative – Delia Juncal. Delia has been a superwoman behind the scenes at SDRUFC for years. Whether it’s making sure minutes are taken and approved, ordering food, making sure venues are set, or ordering supplies for future events, she’s always “on it!”
Best Plant Health Care Program – Tracy Ellis, Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, County of San Diego. As an agricultural entomologist in the Entomology Lab and Honey Bee Protection Program, Dr. Ellis has helped identify invasive pests in the field and nurseries.
Best Trees and Water. Mathew Warren, Department of Park and Recreation, City of San Diego. As water conservation horticulturalist for hundreds of parks, Matt has brought innovative irrigation techniques to both sustainable water use and irrigation budgets. He has helped change the conversation of trees and irrigation, important in this present environment of drought and water shortages.