Proposed by: Cambridge Plant & Garden Club, Zone I

Dr. David Barnett is dedicated to ecological, historically sensitive improvements at the 175-acre Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA. During his leadership, Mount Auburn rose to the highest horticultural standards in its 184-year history. The landscape that inspired the rural cemetery and public parks movements, welcomes 200,000 visitors annually. Dave reclaimed early nineteenth-century and late Victorian style rustic landscapes, restored monuments and expanded the planting diversity. The wildlife habitats and popular contemporary gardens encourage active cemetery use. In 2012 Dave raised $2.4 million for an energy-efficient greenhouse, part of a planned Horticulture Center designed to achieve LEED platinum certification and illustrative of a systemic approach to recycle and reuse all organic materials. Passionately committed to public service and collaboration with other professionals, Dave served as President of the Horticultural Club of Boston and as President of the American Public Gardens Association and received its highest award, Honorary Life Member.