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Nashville Tree Foundation works to preserve and enhance Nashville's urban forest by educating the public, planting trees in urban areas, identifying the oldest and largest trees in Davidson County, and designating arboretums.
Consul-General receives Victor Johnson Award
Board member Eleanor Willis congratulates Consul-General Hiroshi Sato and his wife Yoko.
Hiroshi Sato, Consul-General of Japan, received the Victor Johnson Award from Nashville Tree Foundation for his efforts in planting cherry trees and establishing a Cherry Blossom Festival in Nashville.
Soon after arriving in Nashville in October 2008, he announced his commitment to plant a thousand cherry trees over 10 years, creating a symbolic bond with Japan.
“When I came here as the first consul-general of Japan, I had a dream of starting a Cherry Blossom Festival and planting 100 trees a year for 10 years,” Sato said. “I thought this was a good idea because the cherry blossom is a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States.”
Because of his leadership in establishing the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, 400 cherry trees have been planted so far, including 100 trees in the City of Forest Hills along Hillsboro Pike.
The Victor Johnson Award has been presented annually since 1995 to individuals and companies for contributions to Nashville’s urban forest. It was named for the late Victor Johnson for the impact he had on the city’s landscape by setting the standard for tree-friendly developers. Previous winners
High Tree Party honors
44 contest winners
Party Pictures •
List of WinnersNashville Tree Foundation recognized 44 winning trees and the Consul-General of Japan at the 25th annual High Tree Party April 27.
President Pat Wallace welcomed the audience and paid tribute to the founding president of NTF, the late Betty Brown, whose trademark red hat rested on the podium. "Her bright-red High Tree Party hat that she always wore and flowers from her garden on the table are gentle reminders that she is with us still," she said.
Contest judge Robin Bible, a state forester, presented certificates to owners and nominators of 44 winners of the Big Old Tree Contest. Entries included more than two dozen species ranging up to 135 feet high. The event was held in Sevier Park, home to three winning trees.
Hiroshi Sato, Consul-General of Japan at Nashville, received the Victor Johnson Award for his efforts creating Nashville’s Cherry Blossom Festival. (See story at right.)
Former Victor Johnson award-winner and Foundation board member Randall Lantz presented Sato with a hand-crafted bowl created by local artisan Pat Matranga from Tennessee cherry wood.
The reception featured tree-related foods including black walnut banana muffins, pecan and pecan strawberry bread along with fruits, nuts, cucumber sandwiches and, of course, tea.
