2025 Taking Root Tree Heroes

Taking Root is proud to celebrate six outstanding individuals whose dedication to trees has strengthened and expanded the region’s canopy—benefiting communities now and for generations to come.

Dr. John Aston Warder Award

Recipient: John Alden Bentley (posthumous)

Named for Dr. John Aston Warder—prominent Cincinnati physician and founder of the American Forestry Association in 1875—this award recognizes leadership in horticulture and forestry.

John Alden Bentley, a fellow with the American Association of Landscape Architects, devoted over 50 years to mentoring professionals in his field and advancing green space in Greater Cincinnati. As a founding member of Green Umbrella and contributor to numerous civic organizations—including Clean Cincinnati, the Urban Forestry Board, Cincinnati Beautiful, and Friends of the Park Board—his impact is far-reaching.

Bentley co-founded Bentley Koepke Inc., designing some of Cincinnati’s most notable landscapes: Procter & Gamble World Headquarters Gardens and Plaza, Piatt Park, the Hamilton County Courthouse, Great American Ball Park, and the Cincinnati Public Library Main Branch. These spaces remain a testament to his lifelong commitment to horticulture.

Peaslee Award

Recipient: Dan Boone

Named for John B. Peaslee, the visionary superintendent who led Cincinnati students in planting Eden Park’s first trees in 1882, this award honors dedication to tree planting and preservation.

Dan Boone—a descendant of the legendary pioneer—is a self-taught authority on Eastern Woodland trees, native plants, and ecological systems. At Bartlett Tree Company, he has combined deep field knowledge with extensive research, conducting plant studies for Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio, and in Michigan. Boone has collaborated with botanists across the Eastern United States to locate rare plant species, earning the respect of experts with advanced degrees in botany and forestry alike.

Johnny Appleseed Award

Recipient: Dave Gressley

During his time on the Taking Root board, Dave Gressley helped plant 100 trees at Cincinnati Public Schools, created planting maps, evaluated sites, and oversaw growing conditions. At Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, he cared for both mature and newly planted trees with precision and passion. A respected tree expert, mentor, and friend, Dave’s contributions continue to inspire. He continues to share his expertise as a consultant to Taking Root.

Heritage Awards

Dave Bienemann

As Municipal Arborist and Utility Forester for the City of Hamilton, Dave has strengthened the city’s resilience to storms and climate change, planted over 2,600 trees, and secured significant funding for local tree projects. His leadership extends to educating professionals through the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Lisa Haglund

Through the Preserve Burnet Woods Park Advisory Council, Lisa formed the “Habitat Heroes” team, leading invasive plant removal and planting over 100 native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. She co-developed the invasive species education program that became Cincinnati Parks’ Trained Service Program, now helping build volunteer teams across the city’s park system.

Josh Hill

As caretaker of Mt. Airy Arboretum, Josh manages all plant collections and is unifying decades of records into a single, comprehensive database. He partners with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to improve plant record systems and champions the Arboretum’s role as a living, educational resource.

Taking Root congratulates all of our 2025 awardees and thanks them for their tireless efforts to protect and grow the region’s tree canopy.