GardenComm Green Medal Sustainability Award
Introduced in 2017, the Green Medal Sustainability Award recognizes the accomplishments of individuals or allied organizations working to address wise and respectful use of the land. Self-nominations are welcome.
2026 Green Medal Honoree - Diane Ott Whealy
Diane Ott Whealy has been a national leader in the heirloom seed movement and a strong advocate for the protection of the earth's rare genetic food stocks for over 36 years. Diane co-founded Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit organization near Decorah, Iowa, that preserves heirloom plant varieties through regeneration, distribution and seed exchange. SSE is one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the United States with more than 13,000 members worldwide. Diane retired from SSE in 2015 and remains an advisor to the organization.
| Award Recipient | Year Honored |
|---|---|
| Diane Ott Whealy | 2026 |
| Heather Holm | 2025 |
| Native American Seed | 2024 |
| Doug Tallamay | 2023 |
| LaTasha Powell | 2022 |
| Leah Penniman | 2021 |
| Carl Smith | 2020 |
| Lois de Vries | 2019 |
| Pamela Berstler | 2018 |
| Paul Tukey | 2017 |
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GardenComm provides garden communicators with opportunities for education, recognition, and career development while sharing trusted information and fostering an inclusive, collaborative community.
GardenComm serves professionals who communicate with consumers, businesses, media, and the horticulture industry. By connecting professional communicators with credible expertise, industry resources, and one another, GardenComm helps improve the quality and reach of garden and horticultural information.
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