Excellence in forestry honored at 2026 Trees Bowl
Fourteen "Trees Award" winners from across the state were recognized at the 36th Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 29th, 2026. The Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. This year’s winners have increased capacity for fire response statewide; performed outstanding tree planting projects; promoted conservation and forest products; and trained educators to use environmental education to provide hands-on learning opportunities. This event was hosted by the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University (NDSU).
The winners were provided a luncheon in the Fargodome, which was followed by an awards ceremony. State Forester Thomas Claeys presented each winner with a plaque, and the winners were also recognized at half-time of the NDSU football game vs. Jacksonville State. After the game, the North Dakota Forest Service distributed 3,000 Black Hills spruce and bur oak trees to game attendees, grown by Towner State Nursery.
The 2026 award winners include:
- Community of the Year – Maddock
- Conservation Achievement – Jeff Miller, Kindred
- Distinguished Service – Dave Schacher, West Fargo Parks District
- Environmental Educator of the Year – Michelle Cauley, Dakota College at Bottineau
- Excellence in Government – Barnes County Soil Conservation District
- Fire Department Cooperator of the Year – Burlington Rural Fire Department
- Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year – Erik Bute, Pembina
- Media Outreach – The North Dakota Outdoors Podcast
- Natural Resource Professional of the Year – Edward Bahm, NRCS Plant Materials Center
- 2026 Smokey Bear Poster Contest Winner – Wyatt Emery, Bismarck
- Tree Celebration – Tate Topa Tribal School & Warwick Public School
- Volunteer Organization of the Year – Hatton Beautification Committee
- Youth Tree Planters – Girl Scout Troops 31025 & 30217 of Jamestown
- Distinguished Leadership – Senators Dale Patten & Greg Kessel
The Trees Bowl is an opportunity to speak to the value that trees provide to the quality of life for all North Dakotans. Our forest resources are unique. These native forests, windbreaks, and community forests provide essential benefits like shade, protection, food, fuel, and beauty to help us live happier and healthier lives.