City’s Urban Forester Receives Recognition by Florida Urban Forestry Council

At the Palm Coast City Council on November 1, Erin Givens, President of the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC), attended to present the award for 2021 Outstanding Tree Advocate Award is Carol Mini, City of Palm Coast Urban Forester in the Community Development Department.

The Florida Urban Forestry Council’s Friends of Our Urban Forest awards recognize achievements, organizations, and individuals advocating and promoting community and urban forests in their communities. 

The Outstanding Tree Advocate Award recognizes an individual or organization in organizing, motivating, and/or stimulating urban forestry activities, landscape beautification, tree plantings, tree maintenance, tree preservation, and/or public tree education programs within the community. Examples of past nominees include community leaders, elected officials, exceptional volunteers, local nonprofit organizers, tree boards, beautification committees, tree advocate groups, garden clubs, youth groups, and homeowner associations. 

“I’ve been the Urban Forester here for 17 years and if it wasn’t for all of the residents and the Mayor and Council that supports me and these programs, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Carol said upon accepting the award. “I’m honored and I’m greatly appreciative of the position I have and all of your support.” 

She went on to thank her daughter, Sophia, whom she lovingly refers to as her “little urban forester in training,” as she accompanies Carol to many of her functions such as Arbor Day, CHIRP, and even City Council meetings.

The Florida Urban Forestry Council is a statewide, non-profit organization with a diverse membership of municipalities, arborists, utility foresters, community tree board members, tree advocates, volunteers, horticulturists, landscape professionals, and interested citizens who care about trees in their communities. 

Well-managed trees are a vital part of the urban environment and enhance the quality of life in our cities, towns, and communities. The Florida Urban Forestry Council strives to educate the citizens of Florida on the importance of trees, including their benefits, as well as the best methods to plant, maintain, manage, preserve, and sustain the urban forest. Learn more at: fufc.org

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