Chattanooga’s Tree Commission branched out on Earth Day, awarding local citizens, groups and businesses for promoting trees.

“There are people and groups in Chattanooga who value trees and recognize the value of their contributions to our lives,” said the city’s urban forester, Gene Hyde. “The Chattanooga Tree Commission wants to seek out these people who are doing the right thing and recognize them for their efforts.”

The Tree Commission is a group of volunteer citizens appointed by Mayor Ron Littlefield. Winners received community recognition but no monetary reward, Mr. Hyde said.

The winners were:

* Neighborhood groups: Charlotte Martin, Southside Historic District.

* Citizen involvement: Keith McCallie.

* School grounds: Heidi Chapin, Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy.

* Special recognition: Chattanooga Green Committee.

* Developer: CS & Associates.

* Tree commission member: Adele Glascock.

* Acorn award: Rick Wood of the Trust for Public Land.

* Forester’s award: The Benwood Foundation.

* Arbor Day poster contest winner: Keyshon L. Boozer, fifth-grade, Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy.

— Compiled by Kathy Gilbert