Michael Forsberg

2020 J. Sherwood Chalmers Medal

Recognizing his awe-inspiring photography that depicts the beauty and fragility of the Great Plains, and lauding his passionate commitment to conservation education and environmental action.

Proposed by: Loveland Garden Club, Zone XI

Michael Forsberg, a Nebraska native, has devoted 25 years to photographing America’s Great Plains, covering 100,000 miles across twelve states and three Canadian provinces. Through the beauty of Mr. Forsberg’s photographs, he communicates why the Great Plains matter, and his fascination with Sandhill Cranes led to five years of documenting their migration and the publication of On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America in 2004. His meticulous research and patience lead to the “perfect shot,” and his work and voice call for conservation action and bring the magic of nature to the minds and souls of all who see them.

The J. Sherwood Chalmers Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement in the field of photography and/or photography education as it relates to the purpose of The Garden Club of America.

The J. Sherwood Chalmers medal was given by Jacqueline C. Loomis, a member of Late Bloomers Garden Club, Zone VIII. She was an avid amateur photographer for 35 years before becoming a member of Professional Photographers of America. During her freelance photography career, she published under the pseudonym J. Sherwood Chalmers.

Jacqueline trained at National Geographic photography workshops, the Missouri Photo Workshop, and the Winona School of Professional Photography. Her distinguished career has taken her to all parts of the world, and her work has been featured in such publications as National Geographic and Fortune. She has also exhibited in a one-woman show in Washington, DC.

First awarded in 2020, the Chalmers Medal was designed by American figure sculptor Eugene Daub and features an aperture in the center of a flower, symbolizing nature and photography.

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