Submitted Photo Tim Baumann and Donna Bye, center, on behalf of 2000 Trees for Minot accepted the 2025 “Volunteer Organization of the Year” Trees Award from State Forester Tom Claeys, far left, and NDSU President David Cook, far right.

2000 Trees for Minot was awarded the 2025 “Volunteer Organization of the Year” Trees Award at the Trees Bowl and awards ceremony held in Fargo on Saturday, Sept. 13. Tim Baumann and Donna Bye were present to accept the award.

Nominations were received from across the state and the award winners were recognized by the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University.

2000 Trees for Minot describes itself as a group of volunteers who care deeply for their community and recognize how a vibrant tree canopy can improve the quality of life for its residents. They lead a local initiative to advance community development, improve green spaces and educate the public through the goal of planting 2000 trees in Minot by 2026. This organization was originally named 1000 Trees for Minot, but it quickly surpassed that goal and kept going.

This volunteer initiative advocates for individuals to plant trees, fundraises money for said trees and collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and industry. It champions a call to action with the guiding principles of equity, fairness, partner success and long range impact to ensure the right trees are going in the right place for the right purpose.

During the awards ceremony, North Dakota State University President David Cook and State Forester Tom Claeys presented each winner with a special Trees Awards plaque. The award winners were also recognized on the field during the NDSU half-time activities at the winning Trees Bowl football game in the Fargodome.

Other 2025 award winners include:

– Community of the Year, Hankinson

– Conservation Achievement, Jerry Palczewski, Scranton

– Distinguished Service, Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension Cass County

– Environmental Educator, Dannah Schaffer, Minot State University

– Excellence in Government, Bismarck State College, TrainND Southwest program

– Fire Department, Goodrich Rural Fire Department

– Forest Stewardship Landowners, Lee and Diane Reierson, Fordville

– Natural Resources Professional, Brianne Kaufmann, Renville County Soil Conservation District

– 2025 Smokey Bear Poster Contest Winner, Weston Koenig, Park River

– Tree Celebration, Killdeer

– Youth Tree Planters, Rugby

– Distinguished Leadership, Oscar Knudtson