Keep Indiana Beautiful's David Forsell Recognized With J. Sterling Morton Award

International Arbor Day Foundation Award Honors Lifelong Commitment to Tree Planting

LINCOLN, Neb., April 19, 2018 – The Arbor Day Foundation has announced today that David Forsell has been awarded the Foundation's J. Sterling Morton Award which recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the environment due to his or her lifelong commitment to tree planting and conservation. The individual will have demonstrated a commitment to advancing tree planting and care through a record of education, work experience, talent and temperament.

The award will be presented on National Arbor Day, Friday, April 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Indy Free Tree giveaway at Monument Circle in front of the IPL building.

Dave Forsell has been the president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful since 2003. Under his leadership, the organization has grown tremendously and has become a national model of how local nonprofits can be leaders in creating more sustainable communities. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is best known for its local engagement in tree planting and beautification projects throughout Indianapolis. The organization rallies an average of 30,000 volunteers every year.

Some of Dave's most notable achievements include transforming a barren and polluted space into the sustainable Keep Indianapolis Beautiful headquarters, creating the Youth Tree Team program, launching a nationally recognized NeighborWoods program and becoming the lead partner in the Lilly Day of Service in Indianapolis.

"We are proud to give Dave this international recognition for his commitment to tree planting and conservation," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "He serves as an example to others across the tree planting community as someone who lives and breathes the importance of this vital work."

Since 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the inspiring and life-changing work of leading environmental stewards and tree planters through the annual Arbor Day Awards. Award winners from previous years include the late Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, the United States Forest Service and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

This award winner is one of six internationally being honored for their outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation and stewardship. The remainder of the 2018 Arbor Day Award winners will be presented with their award during their local Arbor Day celebrations. More information can be found at CelebrateArborDay.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 300 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.

As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

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