Honoring innovations in the advancement of California native plants

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (RSABG) honors outstanding contributions to the advancement of public understanding of California native plants by an individual, organization or business.

Since 2004, RSABG has recognized innovations in educating the public about the ecological, aesthetic and economic significance of California's native flora.

The purpose of the award is to promote increased appreciation and utilization of native plants, and to promote RSABG's efforts to make significant contributions toward inspiring, informing and educating the public about California's native flora.

Nomination

For consideration by the selection committee, a nominator must submit a letter of nomination, and preferably at least two seconding letters, and biographical or organizational description for the candidate. All nominations are held in the strictest of confidence.

Selection Process

The selection committee is composed of an ad hoc group of five members chosen annually, representing:

- the winner from the previous year or his or her designee
- a California garden with a native plant focus
- a California nursery with a native plant focus
- two RSABG members at large

The RSABG executive director or his or her delegate acts as the non-voting chair of the committee. Committee members receive all nominations for review. The members may gather via conference phone or in person to review nominations on a date to be determined.

Contact

Please contact the RSABG executive director, with questions about the award, application process or to submit a nomination.

Past recipients

2011   Robert C. Perry, FASLA
2010   David Fross
2008   Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
2007   Tree of Life Nursery, Mike Evans and Jeff Bohn
2006   Robert F. Thorne, Ph.D.
2005   California Native Plant Society
2004   Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Chairman Philip Pace