Golden Acorn Awards

Each year, Trees SC recognizes individuals, organizations and municipalities for their contribution to the urban forests in South Carolina. Trees SC accepts nominations for it’s two annual awards: the Golden Acorn Awards and the Heritage Tree Award.

All nominations must be postmarked by August 22, 2012, and winners will be announced during the Trees SC annual conference this fall at Folly Beach. For more information, please contact Karen Hauck at (843) 814-4620 or karen@treessc.org. Thank you for your assistance with recognizing outstanding contributions to urban and community forestry in our state.

The Golden Acorn Awards

The Golden Acorn for Distinguished Professional Service Award recognizes a professional for his/her outstanding contribution to urban and/or community forestry. Nominees can include foresters, arborists, growers, educators, and any other profession that has made a significant contribution to the field of urban forestry.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria. Total possible points: 100

Individual’s contribution to urban and/or community forestry (30 points)
Demonstrated commitment, dedication and effective leadership in job performance (30 points)
Professional involvement at the local, state or national level (20 points)
Volunteer activities in urban and/or community forestry outside of normal job duties (20 points)

The Golden Acorn for Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to urban and/or community forestry as a volunteer. Nominees must be a volunteer that has worked directly with a forester, arborist, grower, educator, community leader, elected official, or any other related organization that supports and promotes urban and/or community forestry. The volunteer must reside in and volunteer in South Carolina.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria. Total possible points: 100

Individual’s contribution to urban and/or community forestry (30 points)
Vision of project/program (30 points)
Educational impact of project/program (20 points)
Community impact of volunteerism (20 points)

The Golden Acorn for Outstanding Community Forestry Program Award recognizes a community organization that provides exemplary leadership and vision to a comprehensive urban and/or community forestry program. Activities can include, but are not limited to, beautification, fundraising, partnerships, tree planting or preservation, scheduled tree maintenance, tree inventories, public education, and memorial tree planting programs.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria. Total possible points: 100

Proven success in managing the project/program (25 points)
Vision of project/program (20 points)
Education impact of project/program to include community outreach, volunteer involvement, etc. (20 points)
Impact of project/program within the local community (15 points)
Results of project/program (10 points)
Demonstrated commitment to ensure longevity of the project/program to include maintenance plans, fundraising and partnerships (10 points)

The Golden Acorn for Outstanding Forestry Program Award recognizes governments, universities and colleges, corporations and state agencies that provide exemplary leadership and vision to a comprehensive urban forestry program. Activities can include, but are not limited to, beautification, fundraising, partnerships, tree planting or preservation, scheduled tree maintenance, tree inventories, public education, and memorial tree planting programs.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria. Total possible points: 100

Proven success in managing the program (25 points)
Vision of program (20 points)
Education impact of program to include community outreach, volunteer involvement, etc. (20 points)
Potential impact of program within the local community (15 points)
Results of program (10 points)
Demonstrated commitment to ensure longevity of the program to include maintenance plans, funding and/or partnerships (10 points)