SALEM, Ore. - In celebration of Arbor Day, the Oregon Department of Forestry's Urban and Community Assistance Program (ODF) and Oregon Community Trees (OCT) board are seeking nominees from Oregon for the 2018 Urban and Community Forestry Awards. Nominations must be received by Feb. 15, 2018.

The awards recognize inspirational individuals and organizations for promoting tree planting and quality tree care, engaging citizens, raising awareness and knowledge about urban trees and forests, and protecting Oregon's urban forests.

"Such work improves the quality of life in towns and cities around the state," says Kristin Ramstad, manager of Oregon Department of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program, which supports the goals of the awards program. "For over 20 years, this awards program has recognized people and groups who do the often "unsung" work of making our communities better places to live due to their community forestry efforts."

Individual category: Nominations for the individual award recognize citizens, volunteers, or non-profit, government or business employees.

Organization category: Nominations for the organization award recognize citizen groups, non-profits, public agencies, municipalities, and businesses.

Citizens are vital to the nomination process. "We greatly depend upon the eyes and ears of Oregonians to assist us in identifying and recognizing worthy community tree projects put forward by groups and individuals across the state each year," says Eric DeBord, OCT President.

All award nominations must include:
* Name of the individual or organization being nominated, and contact information
* Name and contact information of the nominator
* A brief, 250-words or less, description of the accomplishments and reason for the nomination

Submit nominations here: http://oregoncommunitytrees.org/awards

For more information about Oregon Community Trees visit: www.oregoncommunitytrees.org