Tree care professionals, projects recognized at Texas Tree Conference
Education, partnerships and sound arboricultural practices represented by awards
Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, ISA, recognized individuals, programs and projects advancing arboriculture and community forestry across the state during the annual Texas Tree Conference in Waco.
The Texas Tree Awards recognizes individuals, organizations and communities for their contributions to planting, maintaining and protecting trees, and strengthening community forests across Texas.
“The people and programs recognized through the Texas Tree Awards demonstrate the impact that thoughtful tree care and community forestry can have across Texas,” said Camrynne Brunkenhoefer, Texas A&M Forest Service urban and community forestry program leader. “Their work brings together education, partnerships and sound arboricultural practices to create healthier trees and stronger communities for generations to come.”
Outstanding Community Forestry Program Award
The Bilingual Tree Care Program received the 2026 Outstanding Community Forestry Program Award.
The award recognizes individuals, organizations or municipalities that have promoted community forestry through a program that significantly engages, educates or enhances the community.
Launched by the San Antonio Arborist Association in coordination with ISA Texas, the Bilingual Tree Care Program provides accessible, science-based tree care and safety training for tree industry professionals. The program offers training in seven languages and has expanded to Dallas, San Antonio and Houston, reaching more than 400 tree industry workers across the state.
Arboricultural Project of the Year Award
Austin Independent School District, ISD, and American YouthWorks received the 2026 Arboricultural Project of the Year Award for an urban forest grant-funded tree care initiative.
The award recognizes a specific tree care, protection or planting project that exemplifies modern arboricultural practices and customer service.
The project provided tree care across 28 Austin ISD campuses while creating opportunities for urban forestry workforce development. Through a partnership with the Texas Conservation Corps, a program of American YouthWorks, more than 20 team members received hands-on training in tree care and basic urban forestry practices while providing care for 986 trees.
Outstanding Landscape Improvement Award
The City of Burleson received the 2026 Outstanding Landscape Improvement Award for its Native Landscape and Pollinator Habitat Initiative.
The award recognizes individuals, organizations or municipalities that have made significant contributions through tree planting, care and landscaping that enhances environmental protection, conservation, energy conservation or wildlife protection.
Through the initiative, the city established six No Mow Program sites, converting approximately 5.42 acres of traditional turf into native vegetation. The city also established native pollinator gardens at the Burleson Recreation Center and Senior Activity Center, BRiCk, to support wildlife, conserve water, and give residents opportunities to learn about native plants and sustainable landscaping practices.
Texas Arborist of the Year
Jaci Randel was named the 2026 Texas Arborist of the Year. The award recognizes individuals with at least 10 years in the industry who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership in arboriculture.
As founding executive director of Bexar Branches Alliance, Randel has advanced urban forestry throughout South Central Texas through partnerships, education, workforce development and community engagement.
Her work includes Project CANOPY, which engages students in planting and caring for trees while introducing them to careers in arboriculture and urban forestry, as well as regional efforts to preserve and expand tree canopy through collaboration among municipalities, arborists, utilities, nonprofits and public agencies.
