Award Categories
1. The Partnership Award celebrates groups working collaboratively to solve a forestry problem (e.g. need for next generation of arborists, low canopy in priority area, reuse of urban wood).
2. The Community Stewardship Award for management of natural areas.
3. The Forestry Outreach Award celebrates partners who work across the region to engage residents and land managers in forestry matters.
4. The Youth Engagement Award celebrates partners who make great strides in inspiring the next generation.
5. The Public Natural Areas Award celebrates stewardship and advocacy for natural areas on public property.
6. The Private Natural Areas Award celebrates stewardship and advocacy for natural areas on private property.
CRTI Golden Shovel Awards:
1. The Forester of the Year manages an innovative and successful forestry program that improves the health of the urban forest in the Chicago Region
2. The Forest Advocate of the Year makes great strides in advocating for trees and the urban forest through education, training, communication, and policy work