Watertown’s Tree Warden, Chris Hayward (right) received the State Tree Warden of the Year Award from MTWFA President Bob LeBlanc, from the Town of Walpole.
Watertown’s Tree Warden received statewide recognition for his work.
Chris Hayward, who serves as tree warden as well as the Conservation/Preservation Agent, received the 2017 Seth H. Swift Tree Warden of the Year from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association.
The Tree Warden of the Year Award recognizes a tree warden who exhibits leadership, dedication, and a commitment to the profession. The annual award is named in honor of longtime member and past president Seth “Swifty” Swift, who passed away January 1, 2004.
Hayward, who has worked for the town for nearly 12 years, said he was honored to receive the award, which he noted is not given every year.
“I was surprised,” Hayward said.
He was nominated for the award by Louise Civetti, who is the clerk in the Watertown Zoning Office.
He received the award at the MTWFA meeting in January, and in May the association’s executive board will come to town for an event linked to Arbor Day.
“They will plant a tree in honor of me getting the award,” Hayward said.
The criteria for the award are:
- Holds position of Tree Warden or Deputy Tree Warden in a municipality.
- Actively participates in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s program, Tree City USA
- Demonstrates active leadership and dedication to the protection of urban trees
- Educates the community in which they work about the importance of healthy urban trees
- Holds an annual Arbor Day celebration
- Shows commitment to the profession by volunteering with a tree-related organization
Congratulations Chris!
Well deserved!
Thank you for all you do for Watertown.
Your award is also a feather in Watertown’s cap!
John S.Airasian
Congratulations, Chris!