The 2025 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 nine award categories.
The 2025 awards reception will be held on Friday, November 7 from 2-4 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 8320 South Street, Lincoln.
We are accepting nominations for the following awards. Please submit a nomination by clicking the button below. Nominations for the following award categories are due by September 26.
Blazing Star Award
The Blazing Star 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.
Johnny Appleseed Award
The Johnny Appleseed Award recognizes an individual or individuals who embody the generous spirit of Johnny Appleseed through a sustained personal involvement in tree-planting in Nebraska.
Educator Award
The Educator Award recognizes educators who have made an outstanding contribution toward advancing the knowledge and appreciation of plants among their students. This year NSA recognizes Terri James and Tom Wheeldon, both of Lincoln, with the Educator Award.
Community Landscape Award
The Community Landscape Award recognizes an individual or individuals annually who have significantly improved the green infrastructure in a Nebraska community. This year, the recipients of the Community Landscape Award are Bruce Hoffman, of McCook, and the Gretna Arbor Society.
Additionally, awards will be presented in the following categories:
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.
Jim Kluck Honor Award
In memory of Jim Kluck, who was a longtime NSA supporter, board member and curator, this award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to NSA or to an affiliate site of NSA.
The Ron Yoder Service Award
The Ron Yoder Service Award was established in 2023 to honor Dr. Ron Yoder, former senior associate vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and a longtime supporter of NSA.
Volunteer Award
The Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has made a sustained volunteer contribution to an affiliate site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
