MDC, MCFC honors CoxHealth for tree care efforts

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Besides having a long-standing connection with health care, CoxHealth has shown it has a strong appreciation for the environment.

CoxHealth has received the 2018 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence in the Business/Institution category from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forest Council (MCFC). Each year, Missouri Arbor Awards are presented in several categories to individuals, schools, businesses and organizations that provide sustainable, long-term efforts to care for trees. This is the 16th year for the award, which was presented in March at the Missouri Community Forestry Council Conference in St. Louis.

“CoxHealth understands that the green space in a community contributes to its overall health,” said MDC Community Forester Cindy Garner. “Studies show that abundant, healthy trees can actually improve the health of the people who spend time around them.”

CoxHealth is a locally owned, not-for-profit health system that operates in 24 counties. CoxHealth received the award for its community forestry efforts in a variety of areas, including consultation with certified arborists and other tree experts to evaluate their current landscaping plan. They also planted 115 trees on the greater Cox South Campus. Staff also implemented ongoing training for its grounds crew to improve arboriculture management and tree care practices.

“They have truly taken a leadership role in the community to explore ways that trees can promote healing, provide for the ecosystem, and protect the environment,” Garner said.

To learn more about the Missouri Arbor Awards of Excellence, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJX . To learn more about how trees work for the health and wellness of Missourians, visit treeswork.org.