By Jocelyn Bogen
March 20, 2006

The Home Depot Foundation and The United States Conference of Mayors have identified 32 large and 16 small cities as first round finalists for the First Annual Awards of Excellence for Community Trees recognition program. This prestigious awards program seeks to identify, recognize and showcase the outstanding work of cities across the country in collaboration with their nonprofit partners who have successfully used trees to help create healthy and livable communities.

To apply, cities had to complete a series of questions as part of the Foundation’s initial internal screening process. Over 161 applications were received. Applicants, whose responses reflected innovation in program design, community impact and program sustainability, were invited to submit a full proposal. (A full list of finalists can be found on the www.usmayors.org website under Grants and Awards for Cities.) Finalists have until March 24 to complete their final proposals. Winners will be recommended by an independent Advisory Committee comprised of experts in the field of urban forestry, environment and sustainable community development.

The Excellence for Community Trees Awards will be presented in two categories: cities with populations over 100,000 residents and those with fewer than 100,000 residents. Within each category, two grant awards will be made – $75,000 to the winning project and $25,000 to the runner-up. The awards will be given at the Conference of Mayors 74th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas June 2 to 6.