MIDDLEBURY — Tim Parsons, Middlebury College landscape horticulturist, was recently selected by the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program (VT UCF) to receive one of its 2020 Vermont Tree Stewards Awards. The awards go to those who have shown a commitment and dedication to protecting and preserving their community’s forests and trees. Parsons received the Leader Award for demonstrating strong leadership in urban or community forestry through services to Middlebury College and his community. Along with his work of caring for the 2,200 trees on campus, Parsons has taught the Trees in the Urban Forest course several times and led field trips for other courses. With his students he developed an emerald ash borer emergency preparedness plan for the college and town. Parsons, along with other recipients, will be formally honored at an Arbor Day event this fall.