Tree farm leaders
Awards & recognition
There are three National awards presented annually to Tree Farm program participants: Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, Outstanding Inspector of the Year, and the National Leadership Award. Nominees for these awards are submitted by their respective state programs and are presented at the National Leadership Conference.
Outstanding Tree Farmer
The National Tree Farmer of the Year evaluation process is completed by an independent committee of state level Tree Farm leadership, with administrative help from AFF staff.
A first round of regional voting from each state program selects two finalists from each region that will be visited on their property by members of the selection committee. From there, the four selected Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year are again voted upon by the committee to select the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Nominations are due each year in April/May. AFF staff will announce the specific dates, usually with 3 months notice, and provide nomination forms and guidance.
Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector
There are four Regional Outstanding Inspectors of the Year – one from each of the ATFS regions (North East, Midwest, Southern, Western).
The National awardee is selected from these four regional finalists by a selection of AFF staff. Nominations are due each year in Oct/Nov. AFF staff will announce the specific dates, typically with 6 weeks notice, and provide nominations forms and guidance.
National Leadership Award
Nominees can be any committee member or volunteer who have been instrumental in accomplishing on-the-ground goals and motivating their peers.
In addition to nominations from the state programs, AFF staff may also nominate individuals for this award.
State Tree Farm Program Awards
State Tree Farm programs independently manage their individual awards programs with their unique review and selection processes.
State programs are strongly encouraged to submit their awardees for the corresponding regional and national award. AFF provides plaques for State Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year and Outgoing State Chair awardees. Requests for plaques should be submitted online at least 30 days prior to a presentation date.