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

 
   
 
 
 

2024

Gilbert Butler

Margaret Douglas Medal

For opening hundreds of thousands of acres to the public and educating...

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2023

Ohio Sea Grant and Ohio State University's Stone Lab

Margaret Douglas Medal

For its outstanding clean water research and educational leadership.

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2022

Julie Packard

Margaret Douglas Medal

Presented to Julie Packard in recognition of her ocean stewardship and for...

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2021

Diane Lewis

Margaret Douglas Medal

With appreciation for founding The Great Healthy Yard Project which has...

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2020

Richard Louv

Margaret Douglas Medal

For outstanding dedication to conservation education and for reminding us...

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2018

Diana Barrow

Margaret Douglas Medal

Awarded to Diana Barrow and Craig Barrow. For their creative vision...

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2018

Craig Barrow

Margaret Douglas Medal

Awarded to Diana Barrow and Craig Barrow. For their creative vision...

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2017

Wendy Judge Paulson

Margaret Douglas Medal

In grateful recognition of a lifetime of service to conservation through...

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2016

Lonnie G. Thompson

Margaret Douglas Medal

For his perseverance in leading courageous expeditions to drill and analyze...

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2016

Ellen Mosley-Thompson

Margaret Douglas Medal

For her pioneering and courageous spirit in leading research expeditions to...

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2015

Martha Phillips

Margaret Douglas Medal

For her tireless efforts and her extraordinary ability to turn complex...

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2014

Steve Curwood

Margaret Douglas Medal

He opens the hearts and minds of listeners with the environmental messages...

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2013

Douglas Tallamy

Margaret Douglas Medal

Presented to Douglas W. Tallamy, entomologist, author, dedicated teacher...

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2012

Mark Buscaino

Margaret Douglas Medal

Presented to Mark Buscaino for outstanding dedication to conservation...

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2011

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Margaret Douglas Medal

Awarded to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park for your...

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2010

Anita B. Gorman

Margaret Douglas Medal

Presented to:  Anita B. Gorman, For her remarkable vision and tireless...

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