Recognition Programs Overview

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. 

Community Tree Advocate of the Year  

The Community Tree Advocate 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. 

2024 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Kari Williams

As an Agriculture Teacher, FFA Advisor, and CTE Department Chair at Chandler High School, Mrs. Williams has demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy for urban forestry in our community. Kari has significantly impacted her students and the broader community by educating them on the importance of trees and urban forests.

Through her partnership with the City of Chandler, Mrs. Williams has led her students in volunteering for tree planting events and other urban forestry initiatives. One notable project was her efforts to preserve a historic cork oak tree, where she guided her students in propagating saplings, teaching them the value of historic trees.

Additionally, Kari played a key role in securing funding for urban forestry programs, including writing a Letter of Support for the Inflation Reduction Act grant, which funded tree planting events with 5th graders at Frye Elementary School. Her ongoing commitment to planting trees has inspired both students and the community to become stewards of the environment.

Kari’s passion for urban forestry has also sparked interest in neighboring school districts, expanding her impact on the region and encouraging further partnerships with municipalities. Her dedication to educating and inspiring others makes her an outstanding candidate for this award.

Nominees: 

Kat Lerner, volunteer at Arizona Sustainability Alliance

Mariana Altrichter, restoration volunteer in Prescott, AZ 

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. 

2024 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Paideia Academies

Paideia Academies, a Title 1 Charter School in South Phoenix, has spent the last 4-6 years creating natural play and learning environments (NPLE) to improve school spaces and promote healthier, environmentally friendly areas for children. These efforts, supported by Arizona State University and the City of Phoenix, have transformed the schoolyard with trees, gardens, and water management features. Their latest project, the "Peace Path," is a landscaped path designed for the South Mountain community, promoting physical activity, nature engagement, and environmental education. The path, which includes 90 newly planted trees, will be completed by April 2025, with educational signage along the way. Led by Dr. Brian Winsor, this initiative is a model of community-driven sustainability and forestry efforts in an area lacking tree shade.

Nominees: 

Stan Lowery, Rol’s Tree Service

Nominee: Pedro Perez, Hood Arborists

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. 

2024 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: Lora Martens, City of Phoenix

Lora’s leadership has greatly enhanced Phoenix's urban tree canopy and set a new standard for urban forestry in both the community and state. As the first person with a role dedicated to mitigating extreme heat, Lora oversaw the implementation of $4 million in ARPA funding for tree planting in vulnerable neighborhoods, improving equity, resilience, and public well-being. Her expertise as a landscape architect ensures that each project is well-planned for long-term sustainability and environmental justice. Lora’s efforts have also led to securing vital funding, including a $10 million grant from the Inflation Reduction Act for further tree planting.

Lora played a key role in developing the Shade Phoenix Plan, which the City Council adopted in November 2024, setting new policy guidelines for shade and tree initiatives. She will continue overseeing its implementation over the next five years. As a licensed landscape architect and a minority in the field, Lora’s work in urban forestry, climate resilience, and community engagement makes her an exceptional candidate for this award. Her contributions are shaping the future of Phoenix’s urban landscape, creating cooler and greener spaces for future generations.

Nominees: 

Kayla Killoren, City of Phoenix

Nominee: Stephen Addison, City of Mesa

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. 

2024 Winner and Nominees: 

WINNER: City of Phoenix Canopy for Kids Grant Program 

The City of Phoenix’s Canopy for Kids Grant Program is a prime example of successful collaboration for long-term environmental and educational impact. In partnership with the City’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, Arizona Sustainability Alliance, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, Trees Matter, and others, over 1,200 trees were planted at 56 schools, benefiting more than 20,000 students. These trees will provide nearly 2 square miles of shade when fully grown.

The initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, went beyond tree planting by fostering environmental stewardship. Students received hands-on education, learning how to plant, care for, and monitor tree health. Volunteers from various sectors, including utility companies and parents, played a key role in the project’s success.

This program sets a new standard for urban forestry in Arizona, empowering students with the knowledge and skills to care for their environment. It exemplifies the spirit of the Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award, showcasing the power of collaboration to transform communities and create lasting environmental change.

Nominees: 

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona SOMBRA (Sonoran Mesquite Barrio Restoration Alliance) Project