Montana Awards and Scholarship
Montana Tree Farm recognizes special contributions by its members, inspectors, and partners each year, as well as providing a scholarship to one aspiring forestry student in Montana. Click here to learn more about past award winners or find out how you can nominate a deserving individual.
Mary Naegeli Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Application>>#mce_temp_url#
Deadline: May 31st
In 2017, the Montana Tree Farm System unanimously voted to designate a 1,000-memorial scholarship in honor of the passing of former steering committee member and White pine tree farmer, Mary Naegeli, who was a dedicated proponent of land stewardship and a pioneer in the Forest Stewardship program. Mary and her husband, Don, were awarded 1983 State Tree Farm of the Year and then voted the best out of the 14 states in the Western Region.
The scholarship process is relatively simple: Applicants must show an interest in forestry or natural resources, be a Montana resident, have a 2.5 GPA, have a recommendation from a tree farmer or inspector, and be accepted or already enrolled at an accredited higher education institution on a full-time basis. Plus, this year, a requirement of a one-page resume’ has been added. The resume’ should list school and/or community activities, award and achievements, volunteer service, employment and extracurriculars.
The requirement that is most heavily weighted is the personal statement essay. The committee would like to better understand of what influenced the applicant’s interest in forestry or natural resources, as well as future goals. Some applicants have written about appreciation of the outdoors gained through growing up on their rural family property or visiting grandparents’ tree farms. Others remember a specific adventure or event as sparking an interest that grew over the years.
Deadline for completed applications is May 31, 2026.
