Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program

What is the Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program?

The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission started the Oak Awards Program in 2023 to recognize leadership, education, and projects that support and protect the city’s natural resources.

The Oak Awards program includes the following annual awards:

• Acorn Award – Honors outstanding youth leadership in protecting natural resources. Examples include youth-led native planting projects or educational events. Open to individuals 18 and under or current 12th-grade students.

• Leaf Award – Recognizes individuals, families, businesses, or organizations that have shown strong leadership in caring for the city’s natural resources. Examples include large-scale planting projects or leading a neighborhood-wide adopt-a-drain effort.

• Canopy Award – Celebrates lifetime achievement in natural resource stewardship. This award honors long-term efforts by individuals, families, businesses, or organizations that have led many projects and inspired others in the community.

Who is eligible and how are nominations evaluated?

Anyone—individuals, families, businesses, or organizations—who has helped improve natural resources in Mendota Heights can be nominated. Nominees don’t need to live in Mendota Heights. You can nominate yourself or someone else.

Winners are chosen based on the strength of the nomination, the impact of their work, and how they’ve helped build community.

Most for-profit businesses hired by the City, along with City staff and officials doing work related to their job, are not eligible.

Nominations are accepted until January 31st each year, reviewed by the Natural Resources Commission, and awarded in the spring. You can submit a nomination online, by mail, or drop it off at City Hall.  

Oak Award Program Nomination Form- 2025

Why is the Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program important?

Natural resources are a key part of what makes Mendota Heights special—they’re valued by both residents and visitors. Healthy natural areas support important services like clean water, groundwater recharge, cooler temperatures, wildlife and pollinator habitat, and outdoor recreation. By caring for these resources, we can improve community well-being, protect plants and animals, and build a healthier, more resilient environment for everyone.