The Arboricultural Merit Awards

In its constant effort to promote research and excellence in arboricultural practice, as well as to foster better connections and coordination between researchers and practitioners, the International Society of Arboriculture Quebec Inc. (SIAQ) invites individuals from interested sectors to nominate candidates whose work or career deserves to be considered for one of these awards. To submit a nomination, please complete the nomination form.

Nomination Form

The International Society of Arboriculture-Québec Inc. took the opportunity of creating these awards to pay tribute to the pioneers of the Quebec arboricultural world.

WHO ARE THEY?

RENÉ POMERLEAU

Dr. Pomerleau dedicated more than 50 years to studying diseases caused by fungi in trees. As the first active forest pathologist in Quebec, he contributed to the understanding and solution of numerous arboricultural problems. His work on Dutch elm disease, seedling damping-off, white pine blister rust, conifer decay, and birch dieback has been the subject of hundreds of scientific and technical publications. The many awards he received are a testament to Dr. Pomerleau's global reputation as a phytopathologist and mycologist. Many years after his active retirement, he continued to receive honorary distinctions such as the honorary doctor of laws from the University of Toronto in 1982. He tirelessly pursued his work in mycology, and "Flore des champignons au Québec" was his most recent contribution and will remain for generations to come the best reference on the subject in Quebec and North America. Dr. Pomerleau (1920-1994) continuously influenced the direction of arboricultural research in Quebec with his knowledge and experience. The SIAQ wanted to honor him by naming the award for research excellence the "Prix René-Pomerleau".

ALPHONSE GUIMONT

A graduate of Laval University in forest engineering, class of 1933, Mr. Guimont is also among the pioneers of the arboricultural world. After working in provincial public service for many years, he established the company Le Service d'Arbres Guimont Ltée in 1951. Throughout his career, he fought for the recognition of arboriculture as a science, the creation of a chair of arboriculture at Laval University, and the promotion of excellence in arboricultural practice. Using references available at the time and based on American standards, he developed precise specifications for arboricultural work, taught courses to his employees on proven techniques, and insisted on quality execution. A founding member of the Association des Paysagistes et des Pépiniéristes du Québec, he represented arboriculture in several other professional and technical associations while remaining very active in social groups. An instigator of many other arboricultural achievements, he ended his career in education at the Duchesnay forestry school.
Mr. Alphonse Guimont dedicated his entire life (1907-1980) to the promotion of excellence in arboricultural practice; that is why the SIAQ identified him with the "Prix Alphonse-Guimont" award for excellence.

YVON FOURNIER

The award for excellence in arboricultural training is dedicated to Yvon Fournier, who was the initiator of training in Quebec. He always knew how to encourage his employees to improve their knowledge in arboriculture. He created the comprehensive tree maintenance course and worked in the field from 1953 until his retirement in 1990. In arboriculture in Quebec, training is synonymous with Yvon Fournier.

CLAUDE DESJARDINS

The award for excellence in remarkable volunteer involvement and exceptional dedication to the arboricultural cause is dedicated to Claude Desjardins, another pioneer in Quebec arboriculture. He was among the first to believe that Quebec could have its own arboricultural association. Thus, he was one of the founders of the SIAQ in 1977. He is also one of the few Quebecers to have served as president of the ISA board of directors in 1989. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of his death, but it will also mark the creation of this new arboricultural merit award. In arboriculture in Quebec, remarkable volunteer involvement and dedication to the arboricultural cause are synonymous with Claude Desjardins.

THE "GOLDEN LEAF GRAND MERIT" AWARD

For an exceptional contribution to landscape enhancement.

The presentation of this award is a unique opportunity for the Société Internationale d’arboriculture Québec to recognize projects that have impacted a community or region while highlighting trees or the urban forest in general. The project must demonstrate an impact over several years. This award recognizes individuals, organizations, or municipalities that have made a significant contribution through planting and landscaping projects, thereby encouraging environmental protection, conservation, beautification, pollution mitigation, or wildlife protection. Projects without planting are also recognized if they have a positive impact on promoting tree care and preservation.

To submit a nomination, please fill out the nomination form.