MDC and MCFC honor Missourians for making trees work in their communities
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) congratulate Bekki Galloway of Fayette, the City of Carthage, Brown Bear Tree Care of Springfield, and the Benton Park Neighborhood Association on being outstanding stewards of community trees! These four were recently recognized for their efforts with the Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence presented by MDC Community Forestry Coordinator Russell Hinnah at the annual Missouri Community Forestry Council Conference in Springfield Sept. 23.
“For more than 30 years, MDC and MCFC have recognized Missourians who prove themselves to be outstanding stewards of community trees,” said Hinnah. “The Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence highlight the people and organizations working to provide sustainable, long-term efforts to care for trees. Their work is extremely important to assure the many economic, social, and environmental benefits of a healthy community forest.”
Hinnah added that no matter what size the community, trees are visible and valuable assets that contribute greatly to the appearance and character of the town. “They are also part of the public infrastructure and play an essential role in the community, similar to streets, sewers, and utilities,” he said.
The awards were presented to recipients in four categories: Individual, Municipalities/Governments, Business/Institution, and Organization. Nominations for this year’s awards were evaluated based on sustainability, innovation, use of sound tree management principles, contribution the effort made to the community, and the effectiveness of the tree care work, event, or program.
Individual Category -- Bekki Galloway
Bekki Galloway is the driving force behind the City of Fayette’s urban forestry program. She maintains the city's Tree City USA designation, secures crucial grants, collaborates with arborists, and dedicates countless hours to hands-on tree care, planting, mulching, and watering.
Between 2024 and 2026, Bekki's successful grant applications to MDC funded the removal of 24 hazardous or diseased trees and the planting of 20 replacements, contributing to 42 total new trees on city property. Her initiatives include Arbor Day celebrations with dogwood giveaways, school outreach, poster contests, and implementing a citywide tree inventory using TreeKeeper software. Bekki's comprehensive, hands-on involvement from initial planning through long-term maintenance has transformed Fayette's urban forestry into a thriving community asset.
Municipal Category -- City of Carthage
Following a major spring storm in 2024 that caused severe damage, Carthage leveraged the MDC Landowner and Community Assistance Program (LCAP) and community support to rebuild its urban tree canopy. The City also took advantage of the opportunity to also remove ash trees threatened by emerald ash borer.
In FY25, an LCAP contract funded the removal of 20 ash trees and the planting of 42 replacements in Central Park and along West Chestnut Street. For FY26, an additional 13 trees were removed from the municipal park and golf course, paired with 26 new plantings.
While the city experiences some public resistance to the removal of healthy-looking ash trees at Kellogg Lake — where 72 ash trees still stand alongside 13 on the golf course — recent leadership tours with community foresters signal potential future LCAP contracts. Through strategic removals and consistent replanting, Carthage continues to restore its parks and proactively manage its urban forestry resources.
Business/Institution Category -- Brown Bear Tree Care
Founded by certified arborist Dakoda Reynolds, Brown Bear Tree Care emerged to support the greater Springfield metro area after devastating storms struck in April and June 2025. Demonstrating deep community commitment, Reynolds helped launch emergency debris-clearing efforts ahead of Springfield’s July citywide cleanup day, aiding residents struggling with heavy storm damage.
With over eight years of industry experience and a science background from Missouri State University, Reynolds combines environmental passion with professional expertise. Brown Bear Tree Care prioritizes safety, client education, and proactive tree health. Reynolds treats every tree as a vital community asset, offering thoughtful, expert solutions while educating customers on sustainable tree care. His dedication to environmental preservation and community service ensures the Ozarks' urban canopy remains safe, vibrant, and well-managed for future generations.
Organization Category -- Benton Park Neighborhood Association
The Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) formed the Friends of Benton Park committee to support municipal efforts in maintaining one of St. Louis’s historic parks. By leveraging partnerships with groups like Missouri Master Naturalists and Brightside St. Louis, volunteers have revitalized native gardens and removed invasive species.
Volunteer recruitment is central to their success. Through Open Space STL and the specialized "Urban Lumberjack Society," trained volunteers legally prune trees, clear invasive vines, and maintain park health. To handle complex tree care, BPNA partnered with MDC on a $25,000 forestry project, resulting in hazard removals, professional pruning, and 23 newly planted trees with a 100% survival rate due to dedicated volunteer watering. Additional funding is secured for future work. Ultimately, BPNA models effective community-led urban forestry through strategic partnerships, volunteer engagement, and dedicated conservation stewardship.
MDC and MCFC congratulate all Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence winners and thank all applicants for their efforts. Get more information on the Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/awards-honors/missouri-arbor-award-excellence.
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