Urban Forestry Commission to present prestigious Silva Bolds Award

The stone engraving at Silva Bolds-Whitfield Memorial Plaza, Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

Susan Sanders is shown here next to Carter Park Witness Tree, Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

The Silva Bolds-Whitfield Memorial Plaza recognizes those who have contributed to the development and protection of Vancouver’s urban forest

VANCOUVER – The city of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Commission is pleased to present long-time Vancouver volunteer Susan Sanders with the Silva Bolds-Whitfield Award. The Silva Bolds-Whitfield Memorial Plaza recognizes those who have contributed to the development and protection of Vancouver’s urban forest.

Sanders will be presented with the award during a celebration at 5 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 25 at the Silva Bolds-Whitfield Memorial Plaza on West 13th and Main streets in downtown Vancouver. Friends, family, and coworkers are invited to attend and honor Sanders’ lasting impact on Vancouver’s urban forest during the ceremony.

The Silva Bolds-Whitfield Award is given by the Urban Forestry Commission on a meritorious basis to honor community members who have gone to extraordinary lengths to inspire and enrich the quality of life in Vancouver with the benefits of trees. The names of award recipients are permanently etched in stone as part of the unique fountain, situated along Main Street, where many trees were planted by Silva Bolds-Whitfield in 1965.

Susan Sanders is shown here pruning, Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

Sanders was nominated by the city’s Urban Forestry Commission for her commitment to the advancement of urban and community forestry. Her dedication has led to the planting of hundreds of new trees in her Carter Park neighborhood alone. Sanders has been instrumental in expanding awareness of the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and is an advocate for young tree establishment. For 10 years, Sanders was a member of and chaired the Vancouver Urban Forestry Commission, a seven-member volunteer board dedicated to promoting awareness and proper care of Vancouver’s urban forest.

For more information about the celebration, contact Jessica George, Urban Forestry Outreach Coordinator, at (360) 487-8308 or jessica.george@cityofvancouver.us, or visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry]www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.

Vancouver Urban Forestry, part of the city’s Department of Public Works, recognizes trees as an asset to Vancouver and an important component of managing stormwater. For more information or questions, call (360) 487-8308 or email urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us.

Information provided by city of Vancouver.