Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization dedicated exclusively to native plants, proudly announces the celebration of its 125th anniversary. As part of this milestone, the organization will honor acclaimed climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, with its prestigious Founders’ Medal at a gala in Boston this fall. This 125th anniversary marks both a historic legacy and a bold vision for the future—one grounded in the belief that native plants are essential to solving the climate and biodiversity crises.
The 125th Anniversary Gala will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to honoring Dr. Foley, Native Plant Trust will recognize longtime supporters Abby and Peter Coffin for their extraordinary contributions to the organization’s mission. The Coffins embrace the principles of Native Plant Trust with inspiration, sincerity, and generosity of spirit. Together, they are tireless advocates for protecting and conserving the land and waterways of our nation. The evening’s theme, “Sowing the Seeds for Our Future,” reflects Native Plant Trust’s enduring commitment to ecological resilience through native plant conservation. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase here: www.NativePlantTrust.org/gala.
Founders’ Medal Award The Founders’ Medal is awarded for exceptional leadership and achievement in the conservation and promotion of healthy, biologically diverse landscapes. It recognizes individuals whose contributions to conservation, horticulture, or education have had a national or international impact, advancing the resilience of ecosystems and the public’s understanding of their value. The Founders’ Medal has been awarded only once before, in 2015, to Dr. Paul Smith, who was then head of the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew. “Dr. Foley is not only a world-class scientist—he’s a visionary whose work helps shape a climate-secure, biodiverse future for all,” said Native Plant Trust CEO Tim Johnson. “By translating rigorous science into practical solutions, Jonathan Foley embodies the very spirit of the Founders’ Medal. His leadership at Project Drawdown proves that bold, collaborative action can reverse climate change—and native plants play a vital role in that equation. It’s an honor to recognize a thinker whose integrity, clarity, and imagination are helping to change the trajectory of our planet.” Foley noted about the award: “I was humbled beyond words when I heard I would be awarded the Founder’s Medal by Native Plant Trust. We share a deep love of New England and a vision of building a more sustainable future where nature and people can thrive together. At a time when our precious landscapes are under incredible threats, their mission couldn’t be more important to the world.”
Dr. Jonathan Foley, Ph.D. Dr. Jonathan Foley is a renowned environmental scientist, sustainability expert, and the executive director of Project Drawdown–the world’s leading resource for climate solutions. He is dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges, and his groundbreaking research on climate change, ecosystems, and food security has positioned him as a trusted advisor to governments, foundations, and businesses worldwide. Dr. Foley has published more than 130 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including Science and Nature. He is a noted science communicator, presenting at international venues such as TED, the World Bank, and the National Geographic Society. He has written for National Geographic, The New York Times, and Scientific American, and has appeared in major media outlets such as NPR, PBS NewsHour, and CNN.
ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are open to the public. Please visit NativePlantTrust.org.