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GCA Medal Recipients: Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

 

2024 Tom Campion

For his environmental activism and internationally lauded work to protect irreplaceable wilderness areas.


2023 Jack Nicklaus

For his pioneering conservation practices in golf course design and for rehabilitating urban sites.


2022 Michele Byers

Presented to Michele S. Byers, in recognition of her work to conserve open land.


2021 Douglas Brinkley, PhD

For bestselling books documenting the history of the conservation movement and the founding of our national parks, educating scores about protecting our natural environment.


2019 Dr. David G. Gallo

His scientific discoveries, his technological developments, and his flair for communication have shaped our knowledge of the oceans and their critical role for our planet.


2017 Gilbert M. Grosvenor

For his distinguished service to conservation, education, and journalism through the National Geographic magazine, Kids magazine, and the Geographic Educational Program; and for his lifetime advocacy for planet Earth. 


2016 Carrol L. Henderson

In recognition of his successful advocacy for restoration of Minnesota’s nongame wildlife species and habitats, as well as his long-standing collaboration with individuals and organizations in critical stewardship practices.


2015 William Schuster

Presented to Dr. William Schuster for advancing scientific understanding of the natural world, for creatively employing and enhancing the resources of Black Rock Forest in New York State for the purposes of integrating science research and education at all levels and for providing a model of institutional collaboration in the development of Black Rock Forest Consortium.


2014 Ralph R. White

In recognition of his foresight, creativity, initiative, and sustained leadership in protecting the wild and natural wonders of America's Founding River. 


2013 Gerald W. Adelmann

Presented to Gerald W. Adelmann for being an extraordinary champion of the natural world.


2012 Charles Glover Lane

For his extraordinary commitment to conservation and preservation, especially his leadership in preserving the ACE Basin in Low Country South Carolina for future generations.


2011 Stuart N. Conway

Awarded to Stuart Conway in appreciation of your outstanding achievement in conservation and your leadership of Trees, Water & People.  You are an inspired steward of our plants.


2010 Mike Houck

Presented to Mike Houck, for having energized us to turn dreamy visions of what was almost lost forever into doable scenarios for environmentally and economically sound urban communities.


2009 William Doyle Ruckelshaus

Presented to William Doyle Ruckelshaus, in recognition of the first Adminstrator and Founding Father of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.


2008 Dr. Kathryn L. Kennedy

Presented to Dr. Kathryn L. Kennedy, Executive Director of the Center for Plant Conservation.  She is a classically trained botanist who started her career as a plant ecologist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.  Kathryn established rigorous scientific protocols for plant conservation in the field, elevating the visibility and reputation of CPC's programs to an international level.  She has a lifetime commitment to protecting the rare plants of our land.


2007 The Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen

Presednted to Rodney Frelinghuysen, seventh term Respresentative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.  He is senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and was the chief author of the Highlands Conservation Act, H.R. 1964, which authorizes the spending of $110,000,000 over a ten year period in the Highland region which includes parts of NJ, PA, NY and CT.  It's aim is to preserve open spaces.


2006 Dr. George Archibald

Presented to:  Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, as the world center for the study and preservation of cranes.  His programs involve work in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Cuba, China, India, and many other countries.


2005 The Ford Motor Company

Presented to The Ford Motor Company for initiative taken to preserve the environment and conserve resources for current and future generations.  Striving to make the world a better place, makes you an example to all.


2004 Paul Winter

Presented to Paul Winter who, through his music, opens the hearts and minds of listeners around the world to the treasures of our planet and to their threatened status.


2003 Rockefeller Family

In recognition of five generations of commitment to land and water conservation, historic preservation, and philanthropy.  This family's public spirit has enhanced the quality of life for millions of Americans and visitors from around the world.


2002 Cindy Zipf

Presented to: Cynthia A. Zipf, head of Clean Ocean Action, a fledgling New Jersey advocacy organization of fishing, boating, conservation and civic groups concerned with the quality of our waters.  She leads crusades to educate the public inlcuding lawmakers about the conditions of our waters.


2001 Terry Hershey

Presented to Terry Hershey, a Texan, who has made conservation on local, state and national levels her life's work.


2000 Roger Milliken

Presented to Roger Milliken, Chairman and CEO of the privately owned Milliken and Company, a world-wide textile manufacturer, whose environmental initiatives have resulted in tremendous conservation accomplishments.


1999 C. Thomas Wyche

For his efforts, his leadership, and his vision of the Mountain Bridge Conservation Project.


1998 Martin J. Rosen

For his vision and sense of mission about preserving our heritage.


1997 Professor Edward O. Wilson

Presented to Professor E. O. Wilson, whose research and writings have educated and inspired millions of people throughout the world about the crucial importance of maintaining biodiversity in nature.


1996 Spenser B. Beebe

Presented to Spencer B. Beebe, for his lifetime commitment to wilderness and environmental conservation both locally and globally.


1995 Gurdon Lucius Tarbox, Jr.

Presented to Gurdon Lucias Tarbox, Jr., for preserving, for all Americans, the land, flora, fauna, and outdoor art of Brookgreen Gardens, despite nearby burgeoning of Tennessee.


1994 Dr. Richard H. Goodwin

Presented to Dr. Richard H. Goodwin, whose devotion to the scientific method in conservation endeavors and volunteer accomplishments for ecology have had worldwide impact.


1993 Dr. George Masters Woodwell

For his outstanding research on globally significant ecological problems, his scholarly achievement and his ability to refashion his insights into written and oral presentations that impact on broad segments of our informed lay public.


1992 Thomas E. Lovejoy

Presented to Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy whose diligent efforts and willingness to share his strong dedication to conservation have led to international awareness of the pressing need to preserve the world's precious tropical forests.


1991 Dr. Peter H. Raven

An honorary member of the Garden Club of St. Louis, an outstanding scientist, nationally and internationally known as a conservationist with a particular interest in the protection of the world's rain forests.


1990 John Hamilton Adams

For his leadership of the Natural Resources Defense Council.  The Council, founded in 1970, has had only one Executive Director over that twenty year span - John Adams.  Under his leadership, the NRDC has grown to be one of the most influential law and policy firms within the conservation community.


1989 The Honorable John H. Chafee

For furthering the environmental cause; for his tireless efforts, both as Governor of Rhode Island and as United States Senator from Rhode Island, in promoting the protection of open space and wildlife habitat, endangered species, and clean air and water.


1988 John Seiberling

For his extraordinary role in the conservation of America's natural resources; his leadership, while serving in the Congress of the United States, reflects the highest ideals of wise stewardship of our natural treasures; his is a deep and sincere love for the land.


1987 William Penn Mott, Jr.

For his lifelong service to the National Paark System, and for his commitment in preserving the quality of life through the parks for future generations.


1986 Henry J. Heinz, II

For his long years of leadership in revitalizing the city of Pittsburgh.


1985 The Honorable Cecil D. Andrus

For his leadership in the stewardship of America's natural heritage as Secretary of the Interior, Governor of Idaho and Idaho State Senator.


1984 Russell E. Train

An unparalleled conservationist who has held vital posts both in and out of government, currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of World Wildlife Fund-U.S.


1983 Jeffrey R. Short, Jr.

For his dedicated and effective leadership devoted to the conservation of significant biota worldwide.