At the Natural Resources Commission meeting on May 8, recipients of the first annual Oak Awards received their awards for their achievements towards leadership, education/outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the City.
The Oak Awards program recognized the following individuals for its 2023 Oak Awards in the following categories:
The 2023 recipient of the Acorn Award, which recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our City’s natural resources, is Benjamin Moe. Ben led and coordinated a pollinator planting in Valley Park as part of his Eagle Scout project. The project included the planting of over 200 native pollinator plants, as well as the creation of a webpage, complete with QR code and signage, educating the public on the benefits of pollinators and how to protect them.
The 2023 recipient of the Leaf Award, which recognizes significant natural resources contributions of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership is Tim Minea. Tim has set an example in his own landscape by planting a beautiful mix of native trees and plants, many originally planted by his father a generation ago that he has continued to care for. He also has planted several pollinator plants along the East and South sides of his property.
The 2023 recipient of the Canopy Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our City’s natural resources is Leslie Pilgrim. Leslie has spent countless hours in service of natural resources, including water resources, throughout the metro area but especially within Mendota Heights. Some of the community efforts she has created, led and volunteered for include: Neighborhood Greening - a non-profit dedicated to community environmental education and stewardship, Roots in the Ground - A local non-profit initiative with a goal to plant 5,000 trees in Mendota Heights in 5 years to help mitigate the loss of ash trees to Emerald Ash Borer, the Natural Resources Management Plan Update Steering Committee member, partnering with the Mendota Elementary School to create an elementary forest planting project, and serves as a member on the board of the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization. Leslie is also committed to continuing education in natural resources, and has gained certifications in and serves as a Master Naturalist and Minnesota Water Steward.