Urbana Park District has won the 2022 Gold Leaf Award from the Illinois Arborist Association for "their outstanding Arbor Day event” held in Blair Park this past April.
Urbana High School students joined Urbana Park District and City of Urbana at Blair Park to celebrate the city’s 46th year designated as a Tree City USA. After a welcome from Executive Director Tim Bartlett and a proclamation from Mayor Diane Marlin, students explored wildlife biology, collected data hands-on, saw a tree climbing demonstration and an explored forestry-related career opportunities.
“The event was a great opportunity for students to learn about careers in forestry in a immersive way”, said Chelsea Prahl, Environmental Education Coordinator. She continued, “We are also grateful and proud that the Illinois Arborist Association recognized our efforts to teach the next generation.”
The park district will receive the Gold Leaf Award at a ceremony in November.
“The Anita Purves Nature Center is committed to providing opportunities for everyone in our community to experience nature and learn more about the environment,” said Savannah Donovan, Environmental Program Manager at Anita Purves Nature Center. She concluded, “This award inspires our staff to continue this valuable work.”
