We invite you to take the opportunity each year to nominate a person and/or organization doing outstanding work conserving and preserving North American medicinal plants. Projects can be on a grand scale or small, community-oriented or individual. Any project, person or organization that has to do with the conservation, preservation and cultivation of native medicinal plants and their habitat will be considered, such as plant rescue projects, research projects, creating native medicinal plant trails and/or botanical sanctuaries, preserving habitat, or special articles, classes and programs on medicinal plant conservation.
The UpS Medicinal Plant Award will be given annually to a beneficial, inspirational and original project that supports native medicinal plant conservation. One need not be a United Plant Savers member to receive the award. Current UpS Board Members, Advisory Board Members and/or employees of UpS are not eligible.
The UpS Medicinal Plant Conservation Award will be granted to an individual or group based on:
1. Benefit: long-lasting benefits for medicinal plant conservation
2. Inspiration: inspiring others to become more active in medicinal plant conservation
3. Original idea: unusual or unique efforts will be considered first
4. Focus: on at-risk and/or native medicinal plants
Let us know of anyone (including yourself) who is doing something outstanding to help at-risk native medicinal plants and who you would like to nominate for the Award. Send a one to two-page report to the UpS office in Rutland, OH describing your nomination. It would be helpful to include additional information such as a brochure, report about the project or website if applicable. Include contact information so we can notify them directly if they are selected.
The Recipient will be recognized in the UpS Journal and website, receive a Medicinal Plant Conservation Award, free tuition to a UpS symposium or event, and a one-year honorary membership to United Plant Savers.
Past Recipients
Ed Smith, 2026
Michael McGuffin, 2025
Paul Strauss, 2024
Hope Taft, 2023
Rose Ramirez & Deborah Small, 2022
Penelope Beaudrow, 2021
Howie Brounstein, 2020
Juliet Blankespoor, 2019
Laurie Quesinberry, 2017
Marc Williams, 2016
Leigh Wai Do, 2015
Lisa Castle, 2014
Mark Hanson, 2013
Jeanine Davis, 2012
Celle Rikwerda, 2011
Kate & Dan Rakosky,2010
Robert Eidus, 2009
Phyllis Hogan, 2008
Gigi Stafne, 2007
Monica Skye, 2006
Kathleen Maier, 2005
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