The 2024 NSA Awards
The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Awards are presented to individuals, organizations and communities each year to acknowledge and honor their work in the areas of tree planting, sustainable landscaping and environmental education. This tradition began in 1980; since then we have recognized more than 250 people and organizations in eight award categories.
The 2024 awards reception will be held on Friday, November 8 from 2-4 p.m. at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln.
Awards in the following categories will be presented:
President's Citation—This award recognizes outstanding contributions toward NSA's mission. The award is nominated by and given at the discretion of the president of the NSA Board.
Affiliate Excellence Award—This award recognizes excellence in plant collection diversity, maintenance practices nd community engagement.
Johnny Appleseed Award—This award recognizes an individual or individuals who embody the generous spirt of Johnny Appleseed through sustained personal involvement in tree planting in Nebraska.
Jim Kluck Honor Award—Jim Kluck was a long-time NSA supporter, past board member, curator and Nebraska nurseryman who loved helping people and communities improve their landscapes. In memory of him, this award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum or to an affiliate site of NSA.
The Ron Yoder Service Award—The Ron Yoder Service Award was established in 2023 to honor a current or past NSA board member who has generously committed time, talents and effort in support of Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s mission. Dr. Ron Yoder retired in 2023 from his position as senior associate vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), He served as an “ex officio” member of the NSA board of directors and was a longtime champion of NSA’s work and mission.
Educator Award—The Educator Award recognizes educators who have made an outstanding contribution toward advancing the knowledge and appreciation of plants among their students.
Blazing Star Award—This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution toward advancing the horticultural use of native plants or the restoration of native plant communities in Nebraska.
Volunteer Award—The Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has made a sustained volunteer contribution to an affiliate site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
Community Landscape Award—This award recognizes projects that significantly improve the green infrastructure in a community.
