Joel Koci, Virginia Cooperative Extension Associate for Urban Forestry at Virginia State University (VSU), was recently awarded the 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award by the Mid Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He received the award based on his involvement with the ISA annual chapter meeting in Annapolis, as well as for organizing the ISA Day of Safety at VSU, hosting the test for Tree Worker Certification at VSU and for his work in getting VSU the prestigious Tree Campus USA designation.

Tree Campus USA is a program that recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage their urban/community forestry and develop connectivity with the community beyond campus borders to foster healthy, urban forests. The program also strives to engage students through service learning opportunities on campus. 

Koci has been an active member of ISA since 1980. Through research, technology, and education, the ISA promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awarenessof the benefits of trees.

In his role as as VSU's Cooperative Extension Associate for Urban Forestry, Koci focuses on providing education to the public in three primary areas: Small Woodlot Management, Urban Forest Management and Alternative Forest Production Systems. He is also charged with engaging youth and adults in environmental education.  

For more information on VSU's Urban Forestry Cooperative Extension program, contact Koci at 804-524-5758 or jkoci@vsu.edu.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.