Bronze Leaf Award:
Preserve the Heritage Award
City of Grapevine

PARR PARK BICENTENIAL PECAN TREE PROGRAM
The Parr Park Bicentennial Pecan Tree was recognized in early 1990 by the International Society of Arboriculture as a tree that might have been alive at the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.  This tree was also recognized by Grapevine City Council as a "Historic Tree of the City."  Having survived at least two lightening strikes and the development of Parr Park, this mighty pecan tree fell to the earth during a severe windstorm in May 2007.

The fate of this historic pecan tree moved the community to action.  In honor of the tree, The Woodturners of North Texas were commissioned to create art pieces from the wood including pens, gavels, bowls, eggs, guitars and other items for display and auction.  The money derived from the sell of these items is being used to fund urban forestry programming in the City of Grapevine. 

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 1727 was so moved that they raised money through cookie sales and purchased a Living Legacy Tree that was planted near the location of the Bicentennial Pecan Tree. 

The Parr Park Bicentennial Pecan Tree Program shows that citizens care about their town, neighborhood and natural resources.  Should another historic tree, building or icon end its "life," this program may be used as an example of how to honor its legacy in the hearts and minds of the community for years to come.

Preserve the Heritage Award certificate text:
This Preserve the Heritage Award is presented to the City of Grapevine in recognition of Parr Park Bicentennial Pecan Tree Program which melded community involvement, history and urban forestry into a succinct program that creatively honors the heritage of the historic bicentennial pecan tree.
 

Bronze Leaf Award:
Municipal Program Award
City of Arlington

URBAN FORESTRY INITIATIVE "LET'S ENHANCE ARLINGTON'S FOREST (L.E.A.F.)
The City of Arlington is committed to increasing tree canopy cover and enhancing beautification projects within the city.  One program that is vital to the success of this goal is L.E.A.F. (Let's Enhance Arlington's Forest).  Homeowners and businesses are given the opportunity to receive free trees through this program.  The City holds two rounds of tree giveaways, one in the fall and one in the spring.

The L.E.A.F. program is made possible by a partnership between the City of Arlington and sponsorship by ONCOR/TXU, who agreed to fund multiple years of the program in the amount of $30,000/year!  The results of this partnership are evident already.  In the first fall giveaway alone, over 375 trees were given to 10 neighborhoods and over 50 trees were given to 6 commercial properties.

Municipal Program Award certificate text:
This Municipal Program Award is presented to the City of Arlington in recognition of the L.E.A.F. Program for involving corporate stewardship and sponsors in an effort to increase tree canopy and enhance beautification projects in Arlington.
 

Bronze Leaf Award:
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Arlington Conservation Council and Green Arlington Foundation

MOLLY HOLLAR'S VOLUNTEER WORK AT THE WILDSCAPE AT VETERAN'S PARK IN ARLINGTON
Molly Hollar has been the driving force behind the establishment of the Molly Hollar Wildscape at Veterans Park in Arlington.  In 1994, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department awarded a grant to the Arlington Conservation Council for the development of an urban wildscape.  With the help of many volunteers, Molly was able to match the $3,000 grant with donations of money, goods and labor.  Molly designed a landscaping plan that incorporated native, organically-grown, low-water plants.  In addition to planting native plants, Molly and her volunteers moved boulders, added mulch and soil, established rainwater irrigation, created trails, and removed invasive species.  The end result is a restored example of our local Cross Timbers habitat.

The Wildscape opened to the public in 1995 and in 1999, it received the Mayor's Urban Design Award.  In 2000, because of its broad community appeal, Northrop Grumman selected the Wildscape for its Project Good Turn.  $100,000 worth of hardscape was installed including a 12' X 15' pavilion, 140' of boardwalk, two bridges, 5 kiosks, 10 benches and numerous directional & interpretive signs.  In all, Northrop Grumman employees and their families gave at least 1,800 hours of volunteer time for this project.

For nearly two decades, under Molly's leadership, the Wildscape has evolved from a dream and concept to become a reality.  It has grown from a half acre site to 3.5 acres.  Molly has overseen the expansion of the park, 32,000 volunteer hours, many grants, and numerous spin-off projects.  The influence of the Wildscape cannot be under-estimated; spin-offs include native plant courtyards at several elementary schools and museums, a community garden at a local church, a native plant propagation greenhouse, Earthday celebrations and tours of the Wildscape, and volunteer-led guided walks through the park.  Education of the Cross Timbers ecosystem and native plants is contagious!  And Molly Hollar has done more than her share of spreading the word by example over the past two decades.

Volunteer of the Year Award certificate text:
This Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to Molly Hollar in recognition for her tireless efforts to design and develop The Wildscape at Veterans Park in Arlington.  Her leadership in restoring a piece of our native Cross Timbers habitat and educate the public on native plants is inspiring.
 

Award of Merit
City of Euless

TREE TRASH TO TREE TREASURE
After the drought of 2006, City of Euless Forestry crews noticed an increased number of dead and/or fallen trees throughout the parks.  Instead of chipping and mulching the dead and downed trees, the crews decided to turn these resources into additional benefits.  The trees were collected and were worked into benches that are now in use along the trail system in several parks.

This re-use of Euless's natural resources has excited the citizens and has motivated the Parks Department crews to continue developing creative ways to use the resources available, which will save the city money and provide a unique sense of place for Euless's parks.

Award of Merit certificate text:
This Award of Merit is presented to the City of Euless in recognition of the creative re-use of the City's natural resources by designing and building benches from dead and downed trees in the parks.