Special Recognition Award

The Special Recognition Award was authorized by the MBC Board of Directors in 2016. It recognizes persons who have made important contributions to the appreciation, conservation, or understanding of botany in Michigan or the Great Lakes Region. Recipients of this prestigious award need not be members of the club. Where appropriate, the institution(s) or other employer(s) of the recipient(s) will be notified of the award. The Special Recognition Award is not intended as an annual award.

RECIPIENTS OF RECOGNITION AWARDS BY YEAR

Year Name(s)

2025: Michael Penskar, Botanist for Michigan Natural Features Inventory and long-time editor for The Great Lakes Botanist

2024: Jack Smiley, Co-founder of the Citizens for Henry Ford’s Wildlife Preserve, founder of the Holliday nature Preserve Association, and founder of the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy.

2020: David P. Warners (presented in 2021)

2019: Ellen Elliott Weatherbee

2017: Joshua G. Cohen, Michael A. Kost, Bradford S. Slaughter, and Dennis A. Albert - for their book, A Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan

Robert Ayotte presented the award to Jack Smiley at the Huron Valley Chapter meeting. on September 24

Dave Warners receives the Special Recognition Award

Michigan Botanical Society

The Native Plant Society for Michigan and the Great Lakes Region

The Michigan Botanical Club is the native plant society for Michigan. We are also home of the Michigan Big Tree Program.

The club was founded in 1941 and consists of five chapters.

The focus of the Michigan Botanical Club is:

Conservation of all native plants.

Education of the public to appreciate and preserve plant life.

Sponsorship of research and publication on plant life.

Sponsorship of legislation to promote preservation of Michigan native flora.

Establishment of suitable sanctuaries and natural areas.

Cooperation in programs concerned with the use and conservation of all natural resources and scenic features.