The Outstanding Project Award is presented to an individual or organization that has organized and implemented the most innovative and successful project in the previous year. The awards are presented as a joint venture between the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA) and Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee (MNSTAC).

Sullivan received her award on March 14 at the Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course. She was nominated for her work with The Food Group, a local hunger-relief nonprofit, for securing a grant to fund the Roseville Community Orchard. The orchard is located in a quarter acre space in the Murial Sahlin Arboretum grounds. It includes 50+ fruit trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables, as well as a space for a shade tree nursery area.

Sullivan worked diligently for the past three years to create the community orchard. She coordinated meetings with contractors which directly lead to the installation of fencing, irrigation, and signage. She worked with The Food Group to select the plants and worked with Roseville’s Volunteer Coordinator to recruit volunteers. The orchard is a publicly accessible, demonstration orchard. Volunteers help maintain the plants and harvest the produce as well as teach the community about sustainable food sources. This orchard will provide long-term fresh food access to those in need.

In all nine awards were given to individuals and organizations who were recognized for their works and to celebrate their passion for trees and their dedication to improving the landscape’s most valuable infrastructure. Additional information about the awards is available at http://www.mnstac.org/awards.html or http://msa-live.org/awards.