Poultney, Vermont resident Dr. James Hazen Graves received the Vermont State Award.  This award honors an individual or organization that has done great works in the field of botany or horticulture benefiting a New England State.  Society Overseer Carrie Waterman presented the award to Dr. Graves for his dedicated work as an educator and ecologist, consistently promoting the use and appreciation of native plants.

Dr. Graves thanked the Society saying, "Up in Vermont, New England Wild Flower Society is a huge inspiration for us, willingly providing a sense of tangible and spiritual support. Chris Mattrick (winner of the 07 Conservation Award, and former Society staff) came and addressed my students personally, and was a powerful role model for working with native plants, and many followed his example.  We think of the Society as family — and we are all part of a community that really cares about native plants."   Graves thanked his students and expressed appreciation for their dedication, tireless surveying, mapping, and policy writing, and their commitment to the continuation of the work, even after graduation.

Dr. Graves is Chair of the Green Mountain College Land Use Committee and is an Associate Professor of Biology at the College.  He has consistently stressed the importance of native plant education as a basis for conservation, and collaborates with students to develop native plant gardens, formulate land use management plans, and direct invasive species removal at the college, inspiring environmental stewardship. Among his extensive distinguished publications, Ex Situ Conservation on the College Campus has alerted other colleges to the issue of plant conservation on their own properties. Graves' current research addresses soil factors influencing the distribution of forest floor plants, restoration needs in early successional plant communities, evaluation of restoration methods, and applications of ecology to landscape design.  He received a PhD in Biology from the University of North Carolina, an MLS in Library Science from the University of Illinois, and a B.S. from Rhodes College.  To nominate an individual or group for next year's awards contact Karen Pierce at kpierce@newenglandwild.org or visit www.newenglandwild.org.  Phone 508-877--7630 .