SPEA professor receives Arbor Day recognition

Burnell C. Fischer, a clinical professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU-Bloomington, was recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for his commitments to tree planting, conservation and stewardship.

Fischer will receive the Frederick Law Olmsted Award, given to an individual who positively impacts the environment within his or her state or region.

Fourteen individuals, organizations and companies were honored by this year’s Arbor Day Awards.

The award ceremony will take place April 27 at Lied Lodge & Conference Center at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Neb.

Fischer’s efforts as an urban forestry advocate and as director of the Division of Forestry in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources from 1990 to 2005 won him the award.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized,” Fischer said in a press release. “But the better news is that the award shines a very positive environmental light on Indiana.”

In addition to his conservation efforts, Fischer continues teaching courses on urban forestry and conducting research on urban and community forestry practices, forest resource policy and collaborative forestry.

— Amanda Jacobson