NCNPS Awards Program

Example of the Award Certificate

The awards program is intended to accomplish several purposes:

– To recognize and publicly acknowledge individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the Society and to the cause of native plant and habitat conservation in North Carolina.

– To further the mission of the Society.

List of Past Recipients of Awards


Nomination Procedure

Nominations for Award Categories Part I. and II. shall consist of a letter outlining the accomplishments of the nominee and should be supported by at least 3 letters, from NCNPS members or the general public, who are familiar with the nominee and his/her achievements and activities.  Nominations may be made for a specific award category, or the nomination can allow the Awards Committee to place the nomination in the most appropriate category.  Nominations can be made year-round.

Email nominations for all Award Categories to awards@ncwildflower.org

Selection Procedure

A simple majority vote of the Awards Committee Members will determine the selection of an award winner in Award Categories Part I. and II. There can be multiple recipients of an award in the same year. Award selections are confidential until the official announcement at the Annual Members’ Meeting and Picnic.


Award Categories: Part I:  Recipients of these awards must be NCNPS members.

President’s Award for Service to the Society – To recognize the long-term outstanding efforts of an individual to further the mission and purpose of the Society. 

William Lanier Hunt Award for Environmental Education – To recognize an  individual for outstanding efforts in the area of education related to native plants. Educational efforts may be in the areas of public education (teaching), programs presented to the general public, writing, or research.

B. W. Wells Award for Excellence in Botany or Horticulture – To recognize an individual for work in the field of botany or horticulture, whether that work be at the professional or amateur level.

C. Ritchie Bell Award for Natural Resource Conservation Advocacy – To recognize the efforts of an individual to raise public awareness of environmental issues, to advocate for the environment, and to encourage The Society to keep environmental issues as a major component of its activities.


Award Categories: Part II:  Recipients of these awards do not need to be NCNPS members.

H.L. Blomquist Award for Promoting Native Plants – To recognize a business or institution in North Carolina that promotes the use of native plants, promotes alternatives to non-native invasive plants, or contributes in some way to the mission of the N.C. Native Plant Society.

NCNPS Emily H. Allen Award for Landscape Design with Native Plant Materials – To recognize a public or private garden or designer within North Carolina that makes exemplary use of native plant material and encourages such use in home or business landscapes (includes residential, business, or organization).

NCNPS H. Roland Totten Award for Advancing Knowledge or Conservation of Native Plants – To recognize the efforts of an individual or organization in advancing the knowledge of native plants and in advocating for the conservation of plants and their habitats.


Award Categories: Part III:  Recipients of these awards must be NCNPS members but do not have to be vetted by the Awards Committee

Certificate of Appreciation Award – To recognize contributions to the Society’s efforts to promote native plants.