Native Plants & Living Green: 2007 Awards from New England Wild Flower Society

NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWER SOCIETY HONORS OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION, HORTICULTURE AND EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENTS

Left to right: Ruth Nastuk, Elizabeth Kneiper, Chris Mattrick, Patrick Chasse,Charlie Grunden, Barbara Grunden, Christine Cook, Dr. James Graves, Garry Plunkett, Barbara McIlroy, Virginia Baker, Mary Finan, Sarah and Bruce Schwaegler. Thomas Vining not pictured. Image by New England Wild Flower Society/Sandra Kimball.

Framingham, Massachusetts —Sunday, November 4th, 2007, New England Wild Flower Society, the region's leading plant conservation organization, announced the recipients of this year’s awards honoring organizations and individuals for exceptional achievement in plant conservation, education, and horticulture. The award presentations followed the state of the Society address by Executive Director Gwen Stauffer, conservation updates on climate change and native plants by Conservation Director William Brumback and seed bank updates by seed ecologist Dr. Tristram Seidler. Dedicated to the preservation of native North American flora and to protecting the health of New England’s native flora and natural habitats, the Society leads the nation in native plant education and innovation at the intersection of horticulture and plant conservation.

New this year, the Landscape Design Award celebrates the achievements of a New England-based firm or individual specializing in landscape architecture or design with a long-term commitment to the use of native plants in exceptional or distinctive landscape compositions. Patrick Chassé of Mt. Desert Island, Maine was recognized with the premiere honor. Launched in 2007, the award also celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Society's living museum and headquarters, Garden in the Woods.

The Conservation Award went to Christopher Mattrick of Campton, New Hampshire, for dedication, enthusiasm and leadership for identification and management of rare native plants and invasive species and for inspiring and training others to support those conservation efforts.

The Nauset Garden Club of Cape Cod received the Homer Lucas Award for Public Gardens for creating and maintaining the Lyn Peabody Wildflower Gardens, a lovely naturalized garden promoting native flora, located on the grounds of the Museum of Natural History in Brewster, Massachusetts.

The Society recognized Thomas Vining of Bowdoin, Maine, with the 2007 Education Award for providing multiple opportunities for learning about botany, taxonomy, and natural history through publications, collaboration, and involvement with the Delta Institute. The Society honored three individuals with its Outstanding Service to the Society Award. Ruth Nastuk of Lincoln, Massachusetts was recognized for years of cheerful and faithful service to the library and slide committees.

The Society honored Bruce and Sarah Schwaegler of Orford, New Hampshire, for
irreplaceable support of the Society in many ways including teaching, planning events, serving on committees and for gracious and repeated hospitality to plant conservation volunteers.

The Society also recognizes special achievements in each New England state. The Connecticut State Award was presented to Christine Cook of Easton, for enthusiastic work designing and planting ecological landscapes, especially with the Connecticut Butterfly Association, and for talented leadership in teaching, writing, and photography. Charlie and Barbara Grunden of Falmouth received the Maine State Award for sharing superb botanical skills and photography expertise during an unprecedented 896 volunteer hours as plant conservation (PCV) and invasive plant (IPANE) volunteers. The Massachusetts State Award went to Elizabeth Kneiper of Weston, for expanding knowledge about lichens through dynamic teaching and scientific inventories, and by providing field experience for amateurs and professionals. Barbara McIlroy of Etna was honored with the New Hampshire State Award for organizing and inspiring conservation and municipal groups, gardeners, students, and landowners to battle invasive species on public and private lands throughout New Hampshire and the region. The Society recognized Garry Plunkett of Tiverton with the Rhode Island State Award for outstanding contributions to plant conservation and land use through proactive local governance in town, state and region, and for sharing passion for native plants through teaching writing and tours. Dr. James Graves of Middletown Springs received the Vermont State Award for dedicated work as an educator and ecologist consistently promoting the use and appreciation of native plants through ex situ conservation, especially at Green Mountain College.

To nominate an individual or group for an award, contact Karen Pierce at kpierce@newenglandwild.org, or visit www.newenglandwild.org. Phone 508-877-7630 or TTY 508-877-6553.

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