Vice President/Incoming President Earl Eutsler pre-
sented the Recognition of the Outgoing
President
to Sam Oludunfe. Being the president of an
organization like SMA takes time and determination. The
organization is one with a diverse international interest
that is involved in truly meaningful work. On behalf of all
SMA members, incoming President Eutsler took the oppor-
tunity to recognize and thank outgoing President Oludunfe
for everything he's done during this year, and to recog-
nize him with a plaque as a token of SMA's gratitude.
The SMA Legacy Project of the Year
Award
recognizes a member or organization who
has raised awareness, enhanced urban forest manage-
ment, or boosted appreciation of urban trees or green
infrastructure. The winning project demonstrates inno-
vation, partnerships, engagement, and best practices.
The 2022 Legacy Project of the Year honoree is the City
of Des Moines, Iowa. Housed out of Public Works, the
City of Des Moines Forestry Department has taken a big
picture mindset when it comes to managing its urban
forest. The City hosts a yearly "Tiny Trees" giveaway
where tree seedlings—up to five per household—from
the Iowa State Forest Nursery are provided free of
charge to residents for planting on private property.
In addition, former/retired City Forester David Jahn and
current City Forester Shane McQuillan have worked exten-
sively with non-profit partners. With the local non-profit
Trees Forever, the City worked to create a volunteer training
program called TreeKeepers, and the department actively
supports Trees Forever's Growing Futures teen employ-
ment and tree care program. Through this partnership,
more than 4,500 trees have been planted and nearly 2,000
trees per week are watered throughout the summer.
The 2022 President's Award
of Appreciation,
presented by
Outgoing President Samuel Oludunfe,
recognized U.S. Forest Service Assistant
Director for Urban and Community
Forestry Beattra Wilson. Beattra's
support of the Diversity in Municipal
Forestry Institute initiative has had
lasting impact on our profession, and
President Oludunfe truly appreciates
all her help during his time in office.
24 CityTREES
