Forest ReLeaf receives InSpire Award for environmental stewardship in Missouri

Celebrating a blossoming partnership

^{Spire and Forest ReLeaf teams celebrating alongside each other during an awards presentation} 

Since 2020, Spire and Forest ReLeaf have collaborated with one another, aligned in our environmental and sustainability goals, as well as with our missions and passions for creating a better future for those we serve.

Fast forward to 2023, and Spire selected Forest ReLeaf as a recipient of one of our four inaugural InSpire Awards. The awards were established to honor exceptional nonprofits that demonstrate vision, innovation and a commitment to advancing Spire’s mission.

Steve Mills, president of Spire Missouri, presented the award during an event at the Forest ReLeaf Nursery and Arboretum in Creve Coeur, Mo.

Steve and Meridith Perkins, Forest ReLeaf's executive director, both talked about the partnership, including how it's grown throughout Missouri. They spoke about past volunteer projects, including distributing trees in places such as southwest Missouri and Kansas City. And they spoke of a future in which Spire and Forest ReLeaf continue to enrich lives and fuel stronger, more vibrant communities.

Five other employees joined Steve to represent Spire, Sara Furlow, George Godat, Justin Lopinot, Rex Thompson and Scott Weitzel. In addition to the award presentation, the group toured the site and learned more about Forest ReLeaf's operations and its vision of supporting healthy people, healthy habitats and a healthy planet.