Arborist Brings Education to Life

Eric Hale knows something about planting educational seeds at Utah State University. In Hale’s case, however, the seeds being planted are literal, and he recently received a prestigious state award for his work.

The USU campus arborist received the Arborist of the Year award by the Utah Community Forest Council/International Society of Arboriculture-Utah Chapter in January for his dedication, service and exceptional care for the trees of Utah State University and the state of Utah.

 

“Eric is an arborist who is truly making a difference and building a legacy that will last for generations of people to enjoy,” said Mike Marett, president of UCFC.

 

Hale is passionate about trees and plants, and it shows in the beautiful landscapes at Utah State University. He was nominated for the award by Mark Malmstrom, Ben Harris and USU professors Mike Kuhns and Roger Kjelgren.

 

“We felt this award would express a small measure of our appreciation for Eric’s work and provide him some of the credit he is due from the community,” Malmstrom said. “Even though most of the students and faculty at USU do not know Eric, they have all benefited by his dedication to trees.”

 

Hale has worked in the landscape department for 14 years. He is a quiet and reserved person who doesn’t seek professional recognition, said Jim Huppi, USU landscape architect and manager.

 

“Eric lives and breathes trees, but he is a behind-the-scenes person so most people don’t know who he is,” Huppi said. “But he knows more about trees than anyone I know.”

 

A typical “Eric” work day? Get to work early, then prune, trim, feed, water, talk-to and pet trees until he gets his lunch and sits at the office computer to look up information to quench his thirst for even more knowledge about plants and trees. Hale knows his trees intimately.

 

“He is a walking encyclopedia of trees,” said Ben Harris, a colleague of Hale. “It’s amazing how much he knows. Eric’s bookmarks on his computer are completely full of Web pages for exotic plants, edible plants and every plant in between.”

 

Hale takes every moment he can to improve USU’s campus, Harris wrote in a letter nominating Hale for the award. Hale continues to look for new species to bring to USU. Through his own initiative Hale has selected and planted an astonishing array of native, exotic and rare trees. Of the 222 tree species on the USU campus, 104 have been introduced by Eric. His work has significantly increased the beauty of campus and provides a greater learning environment for USU students.

 

“Every day Eric is working on new design and replacement programs for the university,” said Huppi. “He is one dedicated young man.”

 

Hale’s contributions are not reserved just for plants. He has instilled his passion in many students and employees he’s worked with over the years, Harris said. Two of his former pupils, including Harris, have become ISA-certified arborists, and one more is preparing for the certification exam. All of his employees have come away with a greater passion for trees.

 

“He is very deserving of this recognition, and we are happy for him,” said Harris.

 

Three other USU representatives received awards at the UCFC conference. Horticulture Specialist Larry Sagers received the Distinguished Service Award, and Master Gardener students Jana Christensen and Michele Palmer each earned the Citizen Forester of the Year Award.

 

Contact: Jim Huppi   jim.huppi@usu.edu 435.797.3758