Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Awards Program
Since 1994, Oregon Community Trees and the Oregon Department of Forestry have recognized individuals, communities, and organizations in the state who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and leadership in urban and community forestry. The annual Oregon Urban & Community Forestry Awards Program celebrates Oregonians who understand that healthy urban and community forests foster thriving communities.
Award Categories
An Individual Award is given to a person who has made significant contributions to urban forestry in Oregon. This may be work in tree planting and care, engaging citizens in community forestry, raising awareness about urban trees, and protecting Oregon’s urban forests.
An Organization Award is given to a business, non-profit, school or municipality actively promoting healthy urban and community forests in Oregon through education, awareness, advocacy and investment in our urban forests.
The President’s Award is selected by Oregon Community Trees President and recognizes outstanding contributions or life time achievements in the field of urban and community forestry.
The Oregon Tree City of the Year is selected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Program managers. ODF only considers cities in Oregon recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for this award.
Do you know a Tree Champion?
To submit a nomination for an individual, or an organization, click here to fill out the nomination form: Nominate a Tree Champion!
*The deadline for 2022 nominations is now closed*
2022 award winners will be announced in March, please stay tuned!
Congratulations to our 2021 winners!
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS:
- Charlotte Lehan, City Councilor, City of Wilsonville
- Tony Mecum, Urban Forester, City of Grants Pass
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD:
- Essex General Construction
OREGON TREE CITY OF THE YEAR:
- City of Milwaukie
PRESIDENT’S AWARD:
- Kristin Ramstad, Oregon Department of Forestry: Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Program Manager (news!)
What makes these folks so tree-rific? Check out this press release from ODF: 2021 OUCF Awards ODF Press Release

Tony Mechum accepts his Individual Award in Grants Pass, May 2021
Milwaukie, 2021 Oregon Tree City of the Year, makes the news
Gallery of Past Award Winners

Representatives from Grants Pass show off their 2020 Tree City of the Year Award

Scott Altenhoff receives his 2020 President’s Award
2020 Individual Award Winner Garry Black, City of Philomath, 2020

Tony Mecum looking proud to represent Grants Pass as the 2020 Oregon Tree City of the Year
Previous Urban & Community Forestry Award Recipients
Individual Awards:
Rachel Munzig, Chairperson of Portland Fruit Tree Project – 2020
Garry Black, City of Philomath Public Works – 2020
Chris John, City of Ashland Tree Commission – 2019
Kerry Rappold, City of Wilsonville Natural Resources Manager – 2019
Casey Roland, Casey P. Roland Tree Care – 2018
Mary Harrell, Friends of Trees – 2018
Paul Hennon, City of Tualatin Community Services Director – 2018
Kasia Quillinan, City of Salem Parks Advisory Board – 2017
Lia Spiegel, City of La Grande – 2017
Ian Keene, Lincoln City – 2016
Lee Stevenson, Project Ponderosa Pine, Sunriver – 2016
Patricia Farrell, City of Salem – 2016
Organization Awards:
Clackamas River Basin Council – 2020
Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine Conservation Association – 2019
Plant Oregon Nursery, Talent, Oregon – 2018
North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District’s Natural Areas Program – 2017
Eugene Friends of Trees – 2016
President’s Award:
Scott Altenhoff, City of Eugene Urban Forestry Management Analyst – 2020
Diane Berry, City of Echo Urban Forest Manager – 2019
Jon Pywell, City of Corvallis Urban Forester – 2018
Greg Giesy, Past President – 2017
Brian Wegener, Past President – 2017
John Bellon, City of Klamath Falls – 2016
Oregon Tree City of the Year Award:
City of Grants Pass – 2020
City of Corvallis – 2019
City of Lake Oswego – 2018
City of Baker City – 2017
City of Eugene – 2016