The bur oak tree, with its thick, corky bark survived the frequent fires of the oak savanna in precolonial times. The bur oak represents both the dominant native plant community of the region, and symbolizes persistence in the face of adversity.

 

This annual award recognizes BMAP landowners who have dedicated themselves to the restoration and stewardship of native habitat on private lands. Excellence in private land stewardship is shown by the degree of leadership and innovation in the project's approach, sensitivity to the local landscape, and enhancement of the habitat of threatened, endangered or special concern species or rare plant communities.