The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) plans to present the 2024 Young and Emerging Professionals Award to Kayla Stuart, urban forestry graduate student, on November 19 during its annual conference.

The award recognizes a UCFS member 35 or younger who has made significant contributions to urban forestry through career achievements, academic pursuits, or volunteering. Sharon Jean-Philippe, urban forestry professor, nominated Stuart by listing her achievements including teaching Project Learning Tree, co-leading the Tennessee Champion Tree Program, and directing the Tree CPR workforce development program. Stuart spoke about the Tree CPR program in a recent Step Outside episode.

In a letter, the Society said it could not do justice to Stuart’s list of accomplishments and thanked Stuart for advancing its mission to build the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of professionals who manage trees and forests.