William J. Porter Award of Appreciation



Every year, the NJ Shade Tree Federation has the privilege of acknowledging someone who has made great contributions to tree management, arboriculture, ecology, tree care, and/or urban forestry. This distinctive honor is made by the presentation of the William J. Porter Award of Appreciation. It is fitting to acknowledge our new honoree with the namesake of another person who has made countless achievements in the environment which specifically supports the tree industry.

This year, our awardee is Frank Gallagher, an Associate Professor at Rutgers University and former member of the NJ Shade Tree Federation’s Board of Directors.

Frank Gallagher has long been a force for quality education and perspective to the benefit of students, teachers and volunteers in conservation and land management. His efforts have had impacts at the international, national and state levels. He has worked for years with the Project Learning Tree Program which gets environmental education plans and tools into teachers classrooms and he also has been involved with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for years.

He has long deep ties to the conservation communities in New Jersey, not least of which is the NJ Shade Tree Federation, where he served as a board member for several years. His work, his support and his mentorship have etched a deep imprint for the betterment of environmentalists of all ages and all levels of engagement for decades.

Congratulations Frank!