W.R. Hildreth, education director at Red Butte Garden, was recently presented the Utah Community Forest Council's first Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes individuals for "exceptional contributions" in the areas of arboriculture and forestry.He established the Native Plant Society in 1978, was a co-founder of the Utah Community Forest Council in 1991 and helped the International Society of Arboriculture establish a certification program. That helped reduce the number of trees damaged through unprofessional care.
The director played a key role in the early planning and development of Red Butte Garden. He assembled a board of scientists and community leaders to help promote the organization. Initially, he was the sole staff member at the garden, doing everything from collecting plant species to establishing educational programs.
Encompassing more than 150 acres of gardens and natural areas, Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical and ecological center in the Mountain West. The garden, which tests, displays and interprets regional horticulture, is open year-round.