“The Swifty” Award, In Memory of Seth H. Swift

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. The association invites nominations from Massachusetts residents as well as from city and town officials. Nominations are due by December 1st for the January annual award presentation. Now – at any time of year – you can nominate online. Read on to see the award criteria:

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

The award is given at the Association’s annual conference in January. The MTWFA holds an Arbor Day event in the town or city where the individual works and publicizes the award in that recipient’s area.

Recipients

2020 Christopher Scott, City of Chicopee

2019 Richard Parasiliti, City of Northampton (press release)

2018 David Lefcourt, City of Cambridge (press release)

2017 Christopher Hayward, Town of Watertown

2016 Andrew DeSantis, City of Chelsea

2015 Aggie Tuden, City of Medford

2014 John Lavin, Town of North Andover (press release)

2013 Alan Snow, Town of Amherst (press release)

2012 Peter Bacon, Town of Dalton (press release)

2011 William Hayes, Town of Plympton

2010 Peter Buttkus, Duxbury

2009 Daniel Connolly, Orleans (press release)

2008 Arthur ‘Jese’ Jeselonis, Medford (press release)

2007 Peter Flynn, Concord (press release)

2006 Edward Budnik, Spencer

2005 Edward Casey, Springfield (press release)

2004 Richard Hunter, South Hadley

2003 Seth H. Swift, West Springfield

2002 Ronald Despres, Wellesley