In the world of arboriculture, accolades are often received quietly behind the scenes. However, for Matt Latham, his latest recognition was anything but ordinary. In a surprise ceremony staged under the sprawling branches of a majestic post oak, Matt received an award that left him—and the onlookers—breathless, quite literally!
It was a clear, sunny day perfect for an outdoor gathering. Unbeknownst to Matt, a plan had been meticulously hatched to honor his contributions to local arboriculture. Friends, family, and colleagues had gathered under the guise of a casual meet-up. Amidst the casual chatter, the surprise was set.
As Matt arrived, he was immediately ushered to the front, where the “harmless” act of placing a ceremonial necklace around his neck awaited him. The catch? The necklace was a bit too snug, leading to a series of humorous gasps from Matt, much to the amusement of everyone present. The moment was light-hearted, setting the stage for what was a heartfelt recognition of his hard work and dedication
With laughter still lingering in the air, the ceremony took a more serious tone as the award was presented. Matt was recognized for his outstanding contributions to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our local green spaces. His efforts, often going unnoticed by the public, were finally spotlighted beneath the very beings he works so hard to protect—our treasured trees.
The day was filled with laughter, applause, and a few extra pats on the back. Matt’s award ceremony under the post oak tree was not just a celebration of his achievements but a reminder of the impact one person can have on the community and environment. It was a day to remember, captured perfectly in the series of images that chronicled each moment.
Visit our gallery to see all the hilarious and heartwarming moments from Matt’s award ceremony. And don’t forget to follow us for more stories about the heroes who work behind the scenes to keep our natural landscapes thriving.
Whether it’s through a tight squeeze or a round of applause, celebrating achievements like these brings us all a little closer to nature—and to each other.
