James Hendrickson discovered his love of landscaping as a teenager, when he cut lawns with his father in Salt Lake City and inherited his mother's passion for flowers and gardening.

His interest blossomed further as he attended college at the Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University in Logan) and befriended classmates who shared his enthusiasm for planting. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in industrial education in 1954, followed by a master's degree of science in 1960.

He settled in Murray with his wife Jean in 1961, and it was then Hendrickson decided to truly establish some roots.

"If we're going to live in Murray, I want to be a part of Murray," Hendrickson, now 86, recalls about his move to the city. That ambition to get involved quickly landed him a spot on the city's "Hurry, Clean Up Murray" committee in the 1960s and marked the start of a lifetime dedicated to volunteer work centering on city beautification projects.

Hendrickson's work, which includes more than 30 years on the Murray City Shade Tree and Beautification Commission, this year landed him an accolade from the Utah Community Forest Council and International Society of Arboriculture -- Utah Chapter. The organization presented him with a lifetime achievement award -- news that tickled Hendrickson, who was surprised when Mayor Dan Snarr came to his home to let him know about the nomination.

"We had no idea they were even submitting my name," said Hendrickson, who taught school for years at Riverview Junior High in Murray. "I like being involved in my city; whatever I can do to help my city be good."

Hendrickson said he's watched Murray transform itself during the years from when he first started with a small group in the 1960s to promote city beautification. They encouraged Murray residents to clean up their yards, eliminating rusted-out vehicles and other "junk", as he calls it, from public view.

He decided to build on the progress Murray had made, and embarked on a quest to encourage businesses in the city's historic district on State Street to each plant a tree. His success in making neighborhoods more green caught the attention of city officials, who recruited him to lead the Murray City Shade Tree and Beautification Commission. He has served as chairman since 1993.

"He enjoys it and they keep reappointing him," Hendrickson's wife, Jean, said with a smile.

Through the years, Hendrickson helped bring leadership to the city's arborist division, helping residents with planting and landscaping through education and working on projects. He said he enjoys participating in the city's annual Arbor Day festivities each spring, when he gets to look at the posters schoolchildren make in honor of the occasion.

Mark Riet, a forestry supervisor for Murray, said Hendrickson's involvement has improved the landscape of the city. Hendrickson has been known to talk to businesses that are reluctant to invest in improving landscapes, Riet said.

"He's great. He's involved with everything," Riet said.

Hendrickson said he is proud of Murray's designation as a Tree City USA for 32 years. The prestigious award is given by the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation and recognizes the efforts of cities to plant trees.

He said he hopes Murray moves forward and continues to focus on making the city beautiful and that other community members become inspired to pitch in the effort.

"If we're going to have a nice city, we need to have people who are interested," Hendrickson said. "I want Murray to be family friendly and a place that families can be comfortable."

mrogers@sltrib.com