Awards

The Iowa State Horticultural Society recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and accomplishments have made a lasting contribution to horticulture in Iowa. Awards are presented to honor exceptional achievement and to preserve the stories of those who have strengthened Iowa’s horticultural organizations, industries, educational programs, and communities. 

The Certificate of Merit recognizes an individual who has made a notable contribution or provided distinctive service to horticulture in Iowa. Recipients are presented with a framed certificate, and their horticultural service and accomplishments are recorded by the Society. 

The Honor Award is the Society’s highest recognition. It honors an individual whose contributions to horticulture have been conspicuous, outstanding, and broader than service to a single community or organization. A recipient must have previously received the Certificate of Merit and demonstrated significant additional achievement. Honor Award recipients receive an engraved bronze medallion. 

The Iowa State Horticultural Society welcomes nominations for its Merit Award and Honor Award. Recipients are selected based on the quality and extent of their contributions to horticulture, demonstrated leadership, and service beyond the usual expectations of volunteer work or professional duties.

Nominees must be individuals rather than organizations, and a separate nomination form is required for each person. Honor Award nominees must have previously received the Merit Award and continued making significant contributions beyond the local level. Each nomination must include at least two signed letters of reference describing the nominee’s horticultural involvement, leadership, projects, and accomplishments.

Download and complete the award nomination form for submission instructions and current deadlines.

Award nominations info coming soon.