CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Wyoming State Forestry Division and the Wyoming Tree Academy board of directors were honored to announce 2026 awards for arborists at this year’s Wyoming Tree Academy in Cheyenne. Dave Schindler, arborist with the City of Cheyenne Urban Forestry Division, was named the 2026 Wyoming Arborist of the Year, and the City of Casper was named 2026 Wyoming Urban & Community Forestry Program of the Year.
Schindler has worked in the City of Cheyenne’s urban forestry division full-time for 39 years. Jacob Mares, Wyoming State Forestry Division Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager, recognized Schindler’s contributions to the City of Cheyenne, as well as to the arboriculture community in his training and mentoring of young arborists.
“There are thousands of trees growing throughout Cheyenne today that he had a hand in planting,” Mares said. “Trees that were small enough to carry when they went into the ground are now mature trees shading homes, streets, parks and neighborhoods. They are part of the canopy that all of us in Cheyenne enjoy today.”
The City of Casper was recognized for its consistent record of dedicated urban forestry work. The city has maintained its status as a Tree City USA community for nearly 30 years. Mares also recognized the program, led by Katy Hallock, for its investment in maintaining an active tree inventory and for understanding the condition of their public trees. Hallock and the urban forestry department also recently established an arboretum following a fire at Sage Park.
“It’s a beautiful public space, but it’s also an opportunity for people to experience different trees, learn about them, and see species that can thrive in our region,” Mares said. “I think it says a lot about this program – when faced with a challenge, they saw an opportunity to build something better.”
The City of Casper is also working with the Wyoming State Forestry Division to utilize grant funding to address hazardous trees in the community.
“The goal is not simply to remove problem trees,” Mares said. “It is to think strategically about what replaces them. That means selecting appropriate species for Casper’s climate, increasing diversity, and making investments today that will strengthen the city’s forest well into the future.”