Hamilton Award: In recognition of a Tree Warden who has significantly advanced the goals of urban and community forestry through successful forestry practices, effective conservation planning, increased citizen engagement, and active public education. This award is in honor of Dr. Larry Hamilton, the former Tree Warden in Charlotte, and is limited to Tree Wardens.

Kris Dulmer exemplifies the spirit of the Hamilton Award through his many efforts to enhance the natural beauty and ecological health of Milton’s urban forest. Kris was instrumental in collecting data the town needed to choose the best locations to target for emerald ash borer management. His proactive approach not only mitigated potential risks along vulnerable transportation corridors but also safeguarded the well-being of Milton’s residents. 

One of Kris's notable achievements is the co-creation and maintenance of the Fruit Tree Grove, housing 35 fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. The Fruit Tree Grove serves as an educational hub for sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food access. The Fruit Tree Grove will host community educational programs and harvesting days, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all members of the community.

Kris has actively collaborated with the Recreation Department on various initiatives, including the Tree Identification Walk at the 2022 Winter Festival. His expertise in tree identification and passion for sharing knowledge enriched the experience for participants, fostering a deeper connection with Milton’s natural surroundings. Additionally, he helped create sustainable trails in Bombardier Park. His hands-on approach ensured the preservation of rare and old trees while facilitating the safe development of recreational trails.

Always keeping his eyes on trees, Kris has a remarkable talent for finding some of the state’s biggest trees. On the current list of Vermont’s Big Tree Champions, he has found over 10 trees on the list. 

In recognition of his exemplary leadership, dedication, and contributions to tree stewardship, Kris Dulmer is a deserving recipient of the Hamilton Award. 

Leader Award: An individual who, through services to their community or organization, has shown leadership and dedication in carrying out an urban or community forestry effort. 

Caitlin Littlefield is a true asset to the Richmond community and its forests. Her passion for the outdoors, our community, and forests is truly commendable and an inspiration. She cares deeply for her community, and this is demonstrated through her commitment as Richmond's tree warden, and as a tireless volunteer.

In preparation of the arrival of the invasive pest emerald ash borer (EAB), Caitlin took proactive steps to safeguard Richmond's ash trees and educate the community. She spearheaded a comprehensive effort to inventory ash trees, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, demonstrating her resilience and resourcefulness. Through educational outreach (via mailed postcards), Caitlin shared resources with homeowners to address the EAB threat in their own backyards. Her efforts extended beyond awareness-raising as she secured grant funding to hire certified arborists for ash tree treatment and removal. Additionally, Caitlin collaborated with a local nonprofit, Wood for Good, to ensure the removed ash tree logs were used as heating fuel for local resource-constrained families.

While serving on the Richmond's Town Forest committee, Caitlin championed sustainable forest management practices. Her leadership was instrumental in pioneering a request for proposal to engage ecological consulting and trail design firms, setting a precedent for collaborative and ecologically sensitive trail planning. 

Caitlin's commitment to forest restoration extends beyond organized efforts, as she consistently volunteers her time to support the health of local ecosystems. From supporting tree-planting events to participating in invasive species removals, to ensuring equitable access to community forests, Caitlin's hands-on approach exemplifies her passion for conservation and equitable access.

Recognizing her exemplary service, Caitlin was appointed as Richmond's Tree Warden, further solidifying her role as a steward of the town's natural resources. In this capacity, she continues to coordinate and support tree stewardship efforts on town properties, parks, and beyond.

Caitlin Littlefield's leadership in community forest management is characterized by her proactive initiatives, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to environmental conservation. She has demonstrated that one committed and passionate individual can truly have a large impact on their community. 

Unsung Hero Award: An individual and/or group who work(s) behind the scenes and consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference in their community's urban and community forest.

Tim's journey as a conservation leader began with a simple gesture: offering to host an introduction to carbon sequestration for the town of Shrewsbury. Since then, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable land management practices and fostering a deeper understanding of environmental conservation principles.

Through his tireless efforts, Tim has created a vibrant hub of activity and learning on his property, serving as a model for landowners across the state. His willingness to invest time, resources, and expertise in networking with experts in land management, wildlife habitat conservation, and climate change mitigation exemplifies his commitment to creating a sustainable future.

Tim's impact extends far beyond his own property, as evidenced by the numerous walks, lectures, and educational sessions he has organized in partnership with the Shrewsbury Conservation Commission and other organizations. These initiatives cover a diverse range of topics, from carbon sequestration to invasive plant management, and have provided invaluable learning opportunities for individuals from our community and beyond.

Tim’s actions speak louder than words and his contributions serve as an inspiration to us all. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment to environmental stewardship, Tim Stout is a deserving recipient of the Unsung Hero Award. 

Volunteer Group/Community Award: An organization, team or ad/hoc group, or community who, through their efforts, have shown outstanding dedication and commitment in introducing or sustaining an urban & community forestry project within their community.

Arbor Day: UCF staff award.

When Neil Silins moved to Brandon, he immediately looked up. Seeing both the forest and the trees in his neighborhood, he decided to get involved with tree stewardship by listening, learning, and leading in his community. Well before he was appointed Tree Warden in Brandon, Neil joined Tree Warden School and started advocating for Brandon’s trees. From there, Neil’s transition into a leadership role has been seamless as he has diligently crafted a forward-thinking vision for trees and the community. In the Tree Warden role, Neil acts as a steward of the town's trees, overseeing their care, maintenance, and management. His ability to pose pertinent questions, coupled with his unwavering commitment to outreach, ensures that trees are always included in the conversation. 

Neil's work as a Tree Warden involves a diverse array of tasks aimed at safeguarding the town's urban forest. He collaborates closely with local authorities and community groups to develop and implement tree preservation strategies and initiatives. Neil conducts regular inspections of trees within the town, assessing their health, identifying potential hazards, and recommending appropriate actions, such as pruning, removal, or replanting.

Beyond maintenance, Neil is a passionate advocate for tree conservation and education. He engages with residents to raise awareness about the importance of trees in urban environments, promoting initiatives such as tree planting programs and educational workshops. His enthusiasm for "getting people excited about trees" is infectious and through these efforts, Neil fosters a deep appreciation for trees and encourages community involvement in their protection and preservation.

Neil's dedication to his role extends beyond the confines of his official duties. He actively seeks out opportunities to enhance the town's green spaces, collaborating with local organizations to beautify public parks, streetscapes, and recreational areas through tree planting and landscaping projects. His vision for a greener, more sustainable Brandon drives his efforts to cultivate a thriving urban forest for generations to come. 

Neil Silins serves as a dedicated and proactive Tree Warden for Brandon, Vermont, championing the cause of tree preservation, fostering community engagement, and ensuring the health and vitality of the town's urban and community forests. Thank you, Neil, for all of your work and for sharing your passion for trees and people!