ISA Celebrates 2013 “Award of Distinction” Winners

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has bestowed high honors on a select group of arborists, educators, researchers, and business owners as part of the 2013 Awards of Distinction program, sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts.

“Each year, we recognize the incredibly talented individuals who embody what ISA is all about—sharing the best practices and ideals of arboriculture,” said Terrence Flanagan, ISA President. “These winners challenge and inspire us with their accomplishments and provide us with important information which benefits the future of our industry.”

The awards—offered in ten categories—were presented to eleven winners in a special ceremony on Sunday, August 4th, at the 89th annual ISA Conference and Trade Show, August 3rd - 7th in Toronto. The 2013 Award of Distinction winners include:

• Gregory Daniels — Award of Merit (Stamford, Conn.)

• Dr. Mark Johnston — Alex. L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboricultural Education (Preston, United Kingdom)

• James Urban — Award of Achievement (Annapolis, Md.)

• Terrill Collier — Honorary Life Membership (Clackamas, Ore.)

• Dr. Daniel Herms — R. W. Harris Author’s Citation (Wooster, Ohio)

• Dr. Cecil Konijnendijk — L.C. Chadwick Award for Arboricultural Research (Frederiksberg, Denmark)

• Mark Chisholm— Millard F. Blair Exceptional Contribution to Practical Arboriculture Award (Jackson, N.J.)

• Peter Gerstenberger — Millard F. Blair Exceptional Contribution to Practical Arboriculture Award (Londonderry, N.H.)

• Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch — Early-Career Scientist Award (Lisle, Ill.)

• David and Jared Milarch — Honorary Membership (Copemish, Mich.)

ISA President Terrence Flanagan saluted the winners and offered details of their accomplishments:

- Inspired others with his passionate dedication to the science of arboriculture, his business acumen, strategic thinking, and insight that led to the growth and prosperity of Bartlett Tree Experts. Constant supporter of ISA’s mission by encouraging professional advancement and certification of arborists around the world. (Daniels)

- Instrumental as an educator in the development and leadership of arboriculture programs and higher learning for arborists and urban foresters in schools throughout Europe and Hong Kong. Responsible for the only Master of Science degree course in Europe dedicated to arboriculture and urban forestry. (Johnston)

- Credited for re-awakening the landscape architect profession with the skills required to successfully plant trees in difficult urban soils. Responsible for new testing of tree planting concepts and landscape architect design. (Urban)

 

- Committed to leadership in sustainable landscape practices and the constant promotion of proper tree care and green landscape design to the general public. Dedicated volunteer in support of tree causes, including the Tour des Trees bike ride to benefit tree research and the TREE fund. (Collier)

- Authored more than 200 publications based on tree research to guide fellow arborists, scientists, and students. Significant findings include the development of ash trees resistant to emerald ash borer in today’s urban forest. (Herms)

- Researched and wrote more than 200 scientific articles with heavy emphasis on urban greenbelt planning development and management throughout Europe. Founder and editor of internationally-recognized “Urban Forestry & Urban Greening” journal. (Konijnendijk)

- Dedicated tree climbing champion, arborist, and college instructor training students and professionals around the world in the expert techniques of climbing and rigging, aerial rescue, and competitive climbing. (Chisholm)

- Promoted safety and compliance through countless video projects and training manuals, workshops, and lectures in addition to writing tree standards for several states to improve the industry. (Gerstenberger)

- Encouraged research in urban soil science through his work at the Morton Arboretum Soil Science Lab (MASS Lab), collaborating with students and volunteers to improve tree growth and longevity. (Scharenbroch)

- Advanced the cause of champion trees, travelling the world to promote the health and preservation of the historic urban forest. (Milarchs)

Robert Bartlett Jr., chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts added, “Bartlett is proud to partner with ISA in support of the 2013 Awards of Distinction. Having worked closely with recipient Greg Daniels, I know firsthand the impact these individuals make and how they are truly ‘champions of tree care.’ We applaud all of the honorees for their tireless effort in research, teaching, mentoring their peers, and dedication to the best daily practices of arboriculture.”

ISA has been honoring members and industry professionals with the Awards of Distinction since 1963. This year’s categories recognize candidates in such areas as research, publishing, education, and advancing the best practices of proper tree care in the industry. The winners are selected by a diverse group of experts in arboriculture including university professors, retired arborists, owners of tree care companies, and forestry managers. More than 20,000 members make up ISA’s organization worldwide.

ABOUT ISA

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., U.S., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org, which fulfills the association’s mission to help educate the public about the importance and value of proper tree care. Also, as part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com

ABOUT BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organization’s current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has locations in 27 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland, and Great Britain. Services include pruning, insect and disease management, fertilization and soil care, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems, and tree and stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut. To find out more, visit the company’s web site at www.bartlett.com or call 1-877-BARTLETT (227-8538).

Source: ISA

 

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