NATIONAL MEDALISTSHighest Honors for Distinguished Achievements

Get to know the recipients of the GCA's national medals, the highest honors bestowed upon individuals for distinguished achievements in areas related to its purpose.

Annually, the GCA honors up to ten individuals or organizations with our highest honor – a national medal. These individuals and organizations have left a profound and lasting impact on the issues that are most important to The Garden Club of America. From floral design to garden restoration, from rose culture to conservation education, these awards are as varied and prestigious as their recipients.

Medalist Directory

 
   
 
 
 

2025

Millicent Pitts

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For promoting global innovation in support of healthy oceans and a...

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2023

Louie Schwartzberg

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For his world-renowned work that changes the way we see nature.

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2021

Cristián Samper, PhD

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

In recognition of his global influence on conservation biology, his...

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2020

J. Dean Norton

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Given in honor of his dedication to exemplary preservation of historic...

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2019

Dr. Cary Fowler

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For his visionary leadership role in creating Svalbard Global Seed Vault,...

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2018

Save the Redwoods League

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

In recognition of 100 years of unwavering dedication to, and the protection...

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2017

The Trustees of Reservations

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

In recognition of 125 years of preservation, stewardship, and conservation...

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2016

National Park Service

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

In appreciation for the first 100 years of leadership in preserving...

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2015

Trust for the National Mall

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For its patriotic stewardship in the ongoing restoration of the National...

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2014

John H. Bryan

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For his visionary civic leadership, dedication to historic preservation,...

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2012

Dr. Wes Jackson

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For his dedication and vision in helping to develop a perennial polyculture...

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2010

Nathaniel Pryor Reed

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Presented to Nathaniel Pryor Reed, In recognition of his lifelong...

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2009

The Newman Family & Newman's Own Foundation

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Presented to The Newman Family and the Newman's Own...

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2008

Philadelphia Green Program

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Presented to the Philadelphia Green Program, sponsor of the largest urban...

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2007

Tom's of Maine

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Presented to Kate and Tom Chappell, co founders of Tom's of Maine, a...

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2007

Heifer International

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Presented to Heifer International, Jo Luck accepting.  What began with...

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