The Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. Forestry activities can include: fire mitigation, protection and suppression; tree planting, preservation, or maintenance; community forestry efforts; forest management practices; forest recreation; or environmental education.
Award winners are honored at a luncheon in September, where they receive a plaque and a photo with the State Forester and NDSU President. Awardees and their families also receive free tickets to the Trees Bowl NDSU football game and are recognized on the field at half-time. Attendees at the game will receive a free tree seedling, courtesy of Towner State Nursery while supplies last.
2025 Community of the Year
Hankinson
A community that demonstrates, through exemplary leadership or outstanding example, its commitment to the development or enthusiastic continuation of a sustainable community forestry program for present and future generations.
2025 Conservation Achievement
Jerry Palczewski, Scranton
An individual, family or business that exhibits an outstanding commitment to overall conservation including the planting and care of trees and shrubs for the purpose of enhancing North Dakota's landscape.
2025 Distinguished Service
Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension Cass County
Presented to an individual exhibiting enthusiastic promotion of forestry principles and practices including: fire mitigation, protection and suppression; tree planting, preservation, or maintenance; community forestry efforts; forest management practices; forest recreation; or environmental education.
2025 Environmental Educator of the Year
Dannah Schaffer
An educator who demonstrates creativity, dedication and commitment to teaching and who's outstanding leadership motivates others to learn about the benefits of forestry and the environment.
2025 Excellence in Government
Bismarck State College, TrainND Southwest
An agency or division of government at any level that exhibits extraordinary effort and dedication in the conduct of programs and projects that result in a significant benefit to forestry.
2025 Fire Department Cooperator of the Year
Goodrich Fire Department
A fire department that demonstrates leadership and commitment to the enhancement of its fire suppression capabilities, wildfire awareness and prevention, and active mitigation of wildfire hazards through involvement with Cooperative Fire Protection programs, wildland fire training and interagency cooperation.
2025 Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year
Lee & Diane Reierson
The Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year is selected by NDFS Forest Stewardship Staff to recognize private landowners who go above and beyond in their efforts to protect, enhance and preserve their forest resources.
2025 Media Outreach
April Baumgarten, The Forum
An individual or company that disseminates news, editorial, commentary, documentary or other information which assists in raising public awareness about the benefits and challenges associated with forestry activities.
2025 Natural Resource Professional of the Year
Brianne Kaufmann, Renville County Soil Conservation District
An individual employed in the natural resources field dedicated to forestry, fire, stewardship, tree planting, tree care or tree preservation through exemplary leadership or outstanding example at the local, county, regional or state level.
2025 Smokey Bear Poster Contest Winner
Weston Koenig, Park River Elementary
A celebration which highlights the many benefits that trees provide and incorporates both an educational component and hands-on activity to stimulate increased knowledge, interest and action.
2025 Tree Celebration
Killdeer
A celebration which highlights the many benefits that trees provide and incorporates both an educational component and hands-on activity to stimulate increased knowledge, interest and action.
2025 Volunteer Organization of the Year
2000 Trees for Minot
An organization that exhibits the true spirit of leadership, dedication and volunteerism by planning, conducting and maintaining outstanding forestry projects.
2025 Youth Tree Planters
Rugby
A youth group whose members exhibit genuine concern for the natural environment by participation in tree planting, tree care, tree preservation or tree knowledge projects and activities.
