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

Bowen Blair

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For sustained commitment to preserving open space for all and restoring...

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2024

Tom Campion

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For his environmental activism and internationally lauded work to protect...

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2023

Jack Nicklaus

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

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

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2022

Michele Byers

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

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

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2021

Douglas Brinkley, PhD

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For bestselling books documenting the history of the conservation movement...

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2019

Dr. David G. Gallo

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

His scientific discoveries, his technological developments, and his flair...

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2017

Gilbert M. Grosvenor

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For his distinguished service to conservation, education, and journalism...

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2016

Carrol L. Henderson

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

In recognition of his successful advocacy for restoration of...

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2015

William Schuster

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

Presented to Dr. William Schuster for advancing scientific understanding of...

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2014

Ralph R. White

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

In recognition of his foresight, creativity, initiative, and sustained...

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2013

Gerald W. Adelmann

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

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

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2012

Charles Glover Lane

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For his extraordinary commitment to conservation and preservation,...

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2011

Stuart N. Conway

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

Awarded to Stuart Conway in appreciation of your outstanding achievement in...

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2010

Mike Houck

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

Presented to Mike Houck, for having energized us to turn dreamy visions of...

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2009

William Doyle Ruckelshaus

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

Presented to William Doyle Ruckelshaus, in recognition of the first...

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2008

Dr. Kathryn L. Kennedy

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

Presented to Dr. Kathryn L. Kennedy, Executive Director of the Center for...

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