Nominations for "Landscape of Excellence" are being accepted by Community Canopy, an organization with the goal of sustainable community forests.

The Landscape of Excellence award recognizes and encourages good tree care by highlighting those businesses or organizations in the local community who are doing things right.

Nominations should be submitted by Aug. 15.

Nominated businesses or organizations should have landscapes within the view of the public. They will be reviewed for their landscape care practices, especially in regard to trees.

In 2011, Coeur d'Alene High School, located on 4th Street in Coeur d'Alene, was recognized for having a variety of tree species, the retention of large native ponderosa pine trees, the use of shade trees in parking lots, safety zones around trees to prevent damage from turf care equipment, use of proper planting practices, and proper pruning.

The landscape also includes a variety of ornamental shrubs that make the school grounds aesthetically pleasing.

Community Canopy is a tree care partnership of the cities of Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Spokane, and the Spokane County Conservation District, with the assistance of the University of Idaho Extension and Washington State University Extension. Community Canopy members work together toward the goal of healthy and sustainable community forests that provide maximum environmental and visual benefits.

Community Canopy provides informational publications, exhibits, workshops, and in-the-field training.

To make a nomination for a Landscape of Excellence Award, please contact one of the following communities through the Community Canopy website at www.communitycanopy.info or call them at:

City of Coeur d'Alene - 769-2266

City of Hayden - 209-0987

City of Post Falls - 292-2315

City of Spokane - (509) 363-5495