ESTHER SHORT — The city of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Commission recently presented longtime Vancouver volunteer Susan Sanders with the Silva Bolds-Whitfield Award. The Silva Bolds-Whitfield Memorial Plaza recognizes those who have contributed to the development and protection of Vancouver’s urban forest.
Sanders was presented with the award during a celebration on Sept. 25 at the Silva Bolds-Whitfield Memorial Plaza in downtown Vancouver. Friends, family, and co-workers were invited to attend and honor Sanders’ lasting impact on Vancouver’s urban forest during the ceremony.
The Silva Bolds-Whitfield Award is given by the Urban Forestry Commission on a meritorious basis to honor community members who have gone to extraordinary lengths to inspire and enrich the quality of life in Vancouver with the benefits of trees. The names of award recipients are permanently etched in stone as part of the unique fountain, situated along Main Street, where many trees were planted by Silva Bolds-Whitfield in 1965.
Sanders was nominated by the city’s Urban Forestry Commission for her commitment to the advancement of urban and community forestry. Her dedication has led to the planting of hundreds of new trees in her Carter Park neighborhood alone. Sanders has been instrumental in expanding awareness of the invasive tree of heaven and is an advocate for young tree establishment. For 10 years, Sanders was a member of and chaired the Vancouver Urban Forestry Commission, a seven-member volunteer board dedicated to promoting awareness and proper care of Vancouver’s urban forest.
