GREAT BEND, Kan. – Bill Wood and Bob Switzer of Mankato, Kan, won the 2001 State Forester’s Award for Urban and Community Forestry during Kansas’ annual Tree City USA celebration Tuesday [April 24].

State Forester Ray Aslin made the presentation.

"Bill and Bob both are very deserving of this recognition. Their teamwork in Mankato simply makes this award even more special," Aslin said.

Wood retired after 23 years as the agricultural agent for Jewell County’s K-State Research and Extension office. He’s now active in an array of community organizations, including his service as chair of the Mankato Tree Board.

Switzer, another active, long-time resident, joined the tree board in 1997.

Since then, Wood and Switzer have been "the planning and muscle of Mankato tree efforts," Aslin said. "Both are the first to say the entire board is responsible for the city’s successes. But everyone agrees they’re the leaders."

One year after Wood and Switzer joined forces, Mankato again became a Tree City USA winner, after a five-year absence from the rolls.

The two men have planted and maintained dozens of trees, concentrating on Mankato’s entrances along U.S. Highway 36. They’ve held community tree-care training sessions. Their Arbor Day celebrations have included Switzer’s always planting a tree at an elementary school event.

"They’ve volunteered countless hours, as well as use of their personal equipment," Aslin said.

"Because of people like Bill and Bob, Mankato and Kansas both are a better place to live," said Erin Zook, the Kansas Forest Service’s district forester in the Mankato area.