The ISA Awards of Distinction, presented by Bartlett Tree Experts, are the highest honors given by ISA based on nominations submitted by members and industry professionals. Nominations are reviewed by the ISA Awards Committee, and the committee submits a roster of recommended award recipients to the ISA Board of Directors for approval. The ISA Awards of Distinction recipients are announced at the ISA Annual International Conference.
Latest Winners
2024 Award Recipients
- Award of Merit: Paul Johnson
- Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboricultural Education: Sharon Jean-Philippe, Ph.D
- Sharon J. Lilly Award of Achievement: Beth Brantley, PhD
- R.W. Harris Author’s Citation: Gerald Beranek
- L.C. Chadwick Award for Arboricultural Research: 2020 Urban Forestry Research Team (Susan Day, Ph.D; Eric Wiseman, Ph.D; Keith O'Herrin, Ph.D; Paul Ries, Ph.D; Richard Hauer, Ph.D; Corey Bassett, Ph.D; Greg Dahle, Ph.D; Joe Sullivan, Ph.D; Andrew Benjamin, Joel Koci)
- M. F. Blair Award for Exceptional Contribution to Practical Arboriculture: John Gathright, Ph.D
- Early-Career Scientist Award: Chad Rigsby
- Honorary Life Membership Award: Peter Gerstenberger
- Honorary Membership Award: Per Stjernberg
Award Categories
Award of Merit
This is the highest honor bestowed by ISA, which recognizes a career of outstanding, meritorious service in advancing the principles, ideals, and practice of arboriculture. Nominees must be members of ISA.
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Alex L. Shigo Award For Excellence in Arboricultural Education
Recognizes the important role that education plays in enhancing the quality and professionalism of the arboriculture industry through sustained excellence in arboricultural education. Nominees must be members of ISA.
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Sharon J. Lilly Award of Achievement
In recognition of sustained outstanding efforts or contribution to the advancement of ISA. Nominees must be members of ISA.
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Honorary Life Membership
Granted to members of ISA who have contributed materially and substantially to the progress of arboriculture and have given unselfishly in their efforts to support arboriculture.
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R.W. Harris Author’s Citation
Granted to authors for sustained excellence in the publication of timely information pertaining to the field of arboriculture.
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L.C. Chadwick Award for Arboricultural Research
Recognizes individuals whose research has contributed valuable information to arboriculture.
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Millard F. Blair Award for Exceptional Contribution to Practical Arboriculture
In recognition of individuals whose service has made a substantial contribution to practical arboriculture.
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Download the full award description (PDF)
Early-Career Scientist Award
Granted to individuals who show exceptional promise, with high potential to become an internationally-recognized scientist.
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Download the full award description (PDF)
Honorary Membership
Recognizes individuals who are NOT ISA members, but who have continued interest and outstanding service in promoting arboriculture. Recipients of this award receive a 12-month ISA membership.
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Past Award Recipients