Weatherly receives statewide honor for natural resources work

Tex Weatherly of Jamestown received the 2008 “Natural Resources Professional of the Year” Trees Award at the Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony held in Fargo on Oct. 11. Nominations were received from across the state and the award winners were recognized by the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University.

Weatherly was recognized for being a dedicated employee who embodies conservation leadership as a former soil conservation service, and current Stutsman County Soil Conservation District employee. In the 52 years he has been working in natural resources, it is estimated he has planted more than a million trees in Stutsman County. He has also been instrumental in establishing grass plantings, ponds, fences, field and farmstead windbreaks, wildlife plots, conservation tillage and other beneficial practices.

Weatherly is always willing to help young and old learn about trees and tree care, officials said. He is involved with Eco-Ed, goes to schools to speak, and has done demonstrations with the tree planter. He regularly contributes tree-related articles to the district newsletter. He has also created an arboretum showcasing many varieties of trees, making it easier for customers to visualize how the particular tree or shrub will fit into their landscape.

The award winners were honored at the Fargodome. During the awards ceremony, NDSU President Joseph Chapman and State For-ester Larry Kotchman, presented each winner with a special Trees Awards plaque and limited edition centennial print. The award winners were also recognized on the field during the NDSU half-time activities at the Trees Bowl Football Game in the Fargodome.

Tags: natural resources, weatherly, award, trees