In 2017 the City of Kalispell Street Tree Committee created an awards program to recognize citizens, organizations, and public facilities that exemplified different aspects of the Urban Forestry in Kalispell. This year’s 
award winners were announced during the October 1, 2018, Kalispell City Council meeting. Awardees were presented with beautiful plaques made by students at Flathead High School utilizing elm wood that had been harvested from dead trees within the urban forest. Awardees are as follows.
Jackola Engineering
Jackola Engineering won the Best of Kalispell Urban Forest Award 2018 for the Business/Commercial category for landscaping around their office. The nomination was made based on the appropriate use of trees and other plantings on and adjacent to their office that enhance the overall appearance of the facility. Factors that were considered in determining the best candidate for this award included appropriate selection of tree species for the site, variety of trees and complimentary plantings, and how the use of this selection contributes to the overall community objectives as a Tree City USA. Their landscaping exhibits exemplary attention to the health and care of the site-scape and met or exceeded city standards.
Kalispell Middle School
Kalispell Middle School won the Best of Kalispell Urban Forest Award 2018 for the Public Facilities category for their fruit orchard at KMS. The nomination was made based on the use of trees to enhance the facilities site in accordance with Kalispell City Standards in an unusual or unique way.
Patricia Johnson & Evan Hendrickson
Patricia Johnson & Evan Hendrickson won the Best of Kalispell Urban Forest Award 2018 for the Residential Stewardship category for their work to rally the neighbors and engage the city in replanting the 700 block of 4th Ave. E with trees several years ago.
The City of Kalispell would like to thank all of this year’s award winners for their excellent leadership helping to improve and beautify Kalispell. The value of projects like these will only increase with time, and the city is thankful for those individuals, businesses and public facilities who understand and appreciate the value of the urban forest and work to sustain and build it.