Nominations are open for the Austin Tree of the Year Awards. The annual contest recognizes extraordinary trees recognized by the community in five categories: Small Tree, Large Tree, Story Tree, Unique Tree and Schoolyard Tree. The program was revived in 2022 and, this year, is sponsored by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and TreeFolks. In addition to cluing the Austin area in to great local trees, the awards “aim to raise awareness about the valuable benefits of trees, such as carbon sequestration, air purification, and heat mitigation. By encouraging the public to nominate and vote for their favorite trees, TreeFolks seeks to educate people about these benefits in a fun and interactive way. The initiative fosters a deeper understanding of tree characteristics and promotes a heartfelt connection to the beauty of Austin’s natural environment,” according to a press release from the city. The nomination period will close on November 7, Texas Arbor Day and nominations can be made online at austintreeoftheyearawards.org.
Elizabeth Pagano is the editor of the Austin Monitor. More by Elizabeth Pagano