FUFC Awards Program
Throughout Florida, urban forestry programs and initiatives are always underway. The Florida Urban Forestry Council’s “Friends of Our Urban Forest” awards recognize achievements, organizations, and individuals advocating and promoting community and urban forests. Are your people, places, and programs being recognized, announced, and celebrated? Does your community forest have outstanding people and programs? Have you ever applied for or submitted an award nomination to the Florida Urban Forestry Council? You can find out more about the Friends of Our Urban Forest Awards program.
2024 FUFC Outstanding Professional:
The Florida Urban Forestry Council is pleased to announce Joe Anderson the 2024 Outstanding Professional Award.
Joe has been recognized due to his outstanding contributions and professional commitment to urban forestry, utility arboriculture, and the community he serves. As a Vegetation Management Specialist, Joe is a member of a Vegetative Management team that oversees the utility arboricultural practices and operations of JEA – Jacksonville’s Utility provider. Joe holds a Forest Resource Management degree from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry, at Syracuse, N.Y. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, FUFC and FL-ISA Board Member, FUFC Past President; recipient of the 2023 FL-ISA Excellence in Education Award; and an “above and beyond” liaison for Greenscape of Jacksonville – Jacksonville’s premier non-profit, tree advocacy group.
Joe has a passion for urban forestry and participates in various local and statewide urban forestry initiatives. His professionalism and good nature make him an outstanding recipient.
2024 Outstanding Tree Advocate:
The Florida Urban Forestry Council is pleased to present Mark Cassini, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Community Greening (CG), the 2024 Outstanding Tree Advocate award.
The Tree Advocate award recognizes Mark’s exceptional contributions to urban forestry in South Florida. In 2017, recognizing the region’s need for a larger tree canopy, Mark co-founded the award-winning “Community Greening” urban forestry non-profit organization, which has since planted over 20,000 trees in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. His efforts have led to growing collaboration with local cities on tree planting initiatives to build vibrant urban forests. Mark also nurtures future environmental leaders through the CG Youth Tree Team and regular volunteer events. Additionally, Mark actively contributes as a speaker in the Lynn University Impact Series, inspiring students to engage with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
Outstanding Urban Forestry Project:
The Florida Urban Forestry Council is excited to present Pompano Beach Youth Sport Complex with the 2024 Outstanding Urban Forestry Project Award.
The main objective of the Youth Sports Complex project was to preserve green space for public use into the design of a multi-use sports complex. Other objectives and benefits include natural wooded areas for passive recreation, aesthetics, wildlife habitat, water conservation, and stormwater management. The innovative project incorporated the preservation of nearly 200 large mature, native trees; the relocation of 29 large existing native trees; and urban forestry management practices, into the design of renovated sports fields, community center, parking, and open space. The complex links to other recreational parks, trails, and residential neighborhoods. The project is perhaps the largest tree preservation and relocation project in the City’s history. The project was a culmination of years of urban planning and preservation efforts. The multi-disciplined design team was led by the City’s GO Bond and Urban Forestry teams, landscape architects, designers, arborists, planners, engineers, and other community stakeholders.
The design of the Youth Sports Complex project is the jewel of Pompano Beach’s park system and stands as a testimony of the City’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and service to resident communities.
Outstanding Urban Forestry Program:
The Florida Urban Forestry Council is pleased to present the Take MAR (More Action for Regeneration) program with the 2024 Outstanding Urban Forestry Program award.
Over the past four years, Take MAR has made significant strides in urban forestry in Tampa Bay. The organization planted over 400 native trees, including 200 along the Pinellas Trail, and focused on long-term care through a dedicated team of volunteers. After hurricanes Helene and Milton, Take MAR quickly assessed the health of its trees, ensuring their resilience. By year 4, the organization’s volunteer-driven model and commitment to sustainability earned it the Outstanding Urban Forestry Program award, recognizing its positive impact on the environment and community.
Outstanding Tree Ordinance:
The Florida Urban Forestry Council is pleased to congratulate the City of Fort Lauderdale with the 2024 Outstanding Tree Ordinance award.
The City of Fort Lauderdale, a Tree City USA for 45 years, aimed to enhance its tree canopy to 33% by 2040 while addressing concerns over the removal of mature and old growth trees due to development. In response to public outrage, The City recognized that its outdated mitigation fees for tree removal needed revision. Working with community activists, the City updated its Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) to strengthen tree protection standards. The revised ordinance, approved in October 2024, includes stricter criteria for protecting specimen trees, increased removal fees, and credits for retaining and safeguarding trees during development.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
The Florida Urban Forestry Council is pleased to announce Dr. Don Spence with the 2024 Life Time Achievement Award.
Throughout a 30+ year career Don as been an outstanding advocate for tree care and preservation. He has worked with homeowners, municipalities, and developers to promote healthy trees and urban landscapes, providing guidance through talks, field trips, and landscape designs. Don’s volunteer work spans various environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club and the Environmental Council of Volusia and Flagler. Don is the “go-to” expert on trees and plants. With a Ph.D. form the University of Florida, he has authored several publications and developed his own consulting firm focused on Florida’s native landscapes. In his role as a faculty member at Flagler College, Dr. Don continues to inspire students through tree management projects and his passion for teaching the next generation of environmental stewards.
