News Release – 27 July 2011

Scientists, teachers and authors among those honored for contributions to the tree care industry

CHAMPAIGN, Ill (July 2011) – Eight distinguished professionals make up the circle of winners for this year’s International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Awards of Distinction, sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts.

The awards took place at the 87^th annual ISA Conference and Trade Show, July 23rd — 27th in Sydney, Australia, and honored:

• Mark Hartley — Award of Merit (New South Wales, Australia)
• Lauren Lanphear — Award of Achievement (South Euclid, Ohio)
• Dr. Thomas Green — Excellence in Arboriculture Education (Macomb, Ill.)
• Dr. Ken James — Arboriculture Research (Victoria, Australia)
• Dr. Brian Kane — Early Career Scientist Award (Amherst, Mass.)
• Dave Nowak — Author’s Citation (Syracuse, N.Y.)
• Mark Schnobrich — Honorary Membership (Hutchinson, Minn.)
• Dr. Robert Miller — Honorary Life Membership (Oriental, N.C.)

ISA President Tim Gamma presented the awards, which acknowledge the accomplishments of ISA members and industry professionals for outstanding achievement.

A sampling of the accomplishments of this year’s winners includes:

• Organized an effort to stop the lopping of trees and set the standard for pruning trees in his country, which later became an adopted practice in Australia (Hartley)
• Carried ISA’s vision for improved safety to an international level and remains head of a more than 100-year old multi-generational family tree care business (Lanphear)
• Enhanced a comprehensive college-level urban forestry programme and added new courses in practical tree climbing skills (Green)
• Researched tree biomechanics, which led to the discovery of how branches moderate wind loads and lessen the chance of tree failure (James)
• Improved arboriculture practice and worker safety through biomechanical studies (Kane)
• Investigated the health and change of the urban forest and what it means for air quality and greenhouse gases (Nowak)
• Trail-blazed a city initiative by supporting the planting of hundreds of trees and an innovative park restoration, saving a native species while serving as an urban forester (Schnobrich)
• Inspired students as a distinguished instructor with his depth of knowledge in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture (Miller)

Gamma is impressed by the winners’ dedication to their trade. “This year’s group is a great representation of what is happening around the globe,” says the ISA President. “Some of them are in the early years of their careers and showing much promise, while others continue to be engaged in a lifelong commitment to arboriculture.”

Robert Bartlett Jr., Chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts adds, “The Awards of Distinction raise the bar, pushing us to continue to learn and grow. By recognizing those individuals who have a positive impact on arboriculture, ISA helps provide role models and learning opportunities for all of us.”

ISA has been honoring members and industry professionals with the Awards of Distinction since 1963. Nine categories recognize candidates in such areas as research, publishing, education, and advancing the cause of the organisation. The winners are selected by a diverse group of experts in arboriculture. More than 20,000 members make up ISA’s organisation worldwide.

About ISA
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., U.S., is a nonprofit organisation supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org, which fulfills the association’s mission to help educate the public about the importance and value of proper tree care. Also, as part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification programme in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com.

About Bartlett Tree Experts
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organisation’s current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has locations in 25 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. Services include pruning, pest and disease management, fertilisation and soil management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems and tree/stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut.