Recognition Programs

Arizona Magnificent Trees

This program recognizes trees that are the largest of their species or - Champion Trees, trees that have cultural significance and a direct connection to people - or Heritage Trees, and trees that are proven to have been in their same location before Arizona's Statehood - or Witness Trees.

Learn the History, Heritage of Arizona's Magnificent Trees - LoriAnne Barnett Warren, DFFM Urban Forestry Specialist 

Tree City USA 

Tree City USA is a prestigious designation that Arizona cities can earn by meeting minimum standards for community forestry programs at the municipal level. A program of the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, the program is administered in Arizona by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - Urban and Community Forestry program. Tree City USA recognizes communities that have developed urban forestry programs and that proactively plant and care for trees.

Tree Campus USA 

Tree Campus USA is a prominent designation that Arizona colleges and universities can earn by meeting minimum standards for campus forestry programs. A program of the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, the program is administered in Arizona by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management - Urban and Community Forestry program. 

Tree Line USA  

Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities that effectively promote the dual goals of safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees across utility service areas. 

Citizen Forester of the Year  

The Citizen Forester of the Year is someone who upholds and demonstrates values associated with a dedication to forestry and responsible management of forest resources. This person is a constructive member and dedicated volunteer within their community and is currently not employed as a forester or in a related field. 

2023 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Ronald K. Miller

Ronald was nominated for Citizen Forester of the Year in 2022 by fellow community members for his commitment to his local community. In 2022, he led monthly nature hikes to teach forest ecology, organized and presented to five different school groups to teach about local trees, created a memorial arboretum using native tree species to honor local people, and gave presentations for monarch reforestation - all as a volunteer!  

NOMINEE: Cathy Bovee

NOMINEE: Brian Corr

NOMINEE: Miriam Ahumada

NOMINEE: Morgan Winburn 

Palo Verde Award for Urban Forestry Enhancement 

This award is given to an exceptional business or organization whose work provides innovative leadership or contributions of talent and effort that enable the advancement of sustainable community forestry efforts at a local or state level. 

2023 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Borderlands Earth Care Youth Program 

The Borderlands Earth Care Youth (BECY) Program motivates and teaches the next generation of land stewards by hiring culturally diverse youth residing in the US/Mexico borderlands to restore the trans-national watersheds they call home. Youth in this program are able to make an impact by working on projects within their own communities, collaborating with conservation professionals, and learning leadership skills; effecting systemic change in historically overlooked and underserved communities. 

NOMINEE: Randall Port's Urban Forestry of Tucson 

NOMINEE: Gene Beaudoin

Ironwood Award for Public Service 

This award is presented to an exemplary government official or employee, who through extraordinary efforts, has significantly and positively contributed to and enhanced urban forest management at a community or state level. 

2023 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Brandon Putman, Field Operations and Planning Services Manager, City of Peoria Parks and Recreation Department

In 2022, Brandon championed a Tree Shade Master Plan for the City of Peoria and implemented three rainwater basins with native trees that can be used as a prime example to educate the public on native plants providing environmental benefits. He leads by example in advancing urban tree management by investing in native trees for city projects, securing tree planting partnerships, and supporting outreach and training opportunities for both the public and city staff. 

NOMINEE: Jeff Larson, Parks Operations and Maintenance Manager, City of Chandler   

Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award 

To increase the recognition of outstanding urban forestry projects in Arizona, this award is presented for the innovative strategic, and/or pioneering collaborative efforts of organizations in Arizona. It recognizes a project for exceptional involvement of multiple organizations implemented during the past year. 

2023 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Ecoculture Lower Salt River Restoration Project 

The Ecoculture Lower Salt River Restoration Project included a vast number of community partners in 2022. In addition to the ecological restoration benefits of the project, this project educates and involves the local community through partnership opportunities, environmental events for K-12 students, and sustained community involvement in monitoring and maintaining restoration activities. 

NOMINEE: Emerson Elementary School Planting