Arbor Day Member Story: Leon & Judy Tupy

A Visit to Arbor Day Farm Inspires Members

Leon's special respect for the environment and his connection with trees and agriculture began as a young man working side by side with his father on their Iowa farm. “I've always had this deep appreciation for trees and the land,” says Leon.

After many years of being Arbor Day Foundation members and making several trips through Nebraska, Leon and Judy Tupy of Boulder, Colorado, decided to stop and visit Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City.

“The place was much more than we expected, and our expectations were quite high,” says Leon. “We had read about Arbor Day Farm in our member newsletters, but our visit and being there in person was truly inspiring. You can see that it's all about the mission of conservation and environmental education, for all ages. Clearly, Arbor Day Farm is totally focused on helping others make that same connection, and develop similar values,” says Leon.

The Tupys are now J. Sterling Morton level members. As others before them have discovered, during their first visit to Arbor Day Farm they noticed that the staff is dedicated to a school bus full of 4th graders, international conference guests from around the world, or individual members like Leon and Judy. “You can tell everyone is proud of their work and the Arbor Day Foundation's mission,” they tell us.

Members like Leon and Judy have played a significant role in our ability to green the planet and plant trees. Your love of trees can also make a lasting difference. Visit arborday.org to learn how.