Aug. 26, 2026 – Natural Areas Association, a national nonprofit that serves land management practitioners responsible for the ecological resilience and protection of natural areas, announced the recipients of its 2026 annual awards:
● Hilary Swain, Ph.D., George B. Fell Lifetime Achievement Award;
● Southeastern Center for Conservation at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award; and
● Megan Crecelius, Rising Leader Award.
NAA’s annual awards recognize professional achievement, excellence in stewardship and outstanding leadership. Together, the 2026 award recipients demonstrate how access to emerging research, experience-based practice, and ongoing collaboration strengthens the stewardship and protection of North America’s natural areas.
“It’s my distinct pleasure to celebrate our 2026 award recipients. Hilary, Megan and the team at the Southeastern Center for Conservation are shining examples of how land stewardship can make a difference when you lead with passion, a collaborative spirit, and an unwavering commitment to protect species and their habitats; in spite of increasingly complex challenges, limited resources and uncertainty,” said Lisa Smith, executive director of NAA. “These individuals’ achievements reflect the power of the natural areas community and show the lasting impact of science-informed, collaborative stewardship. NAA is honored to recognize their leadership and contributions to protecting natural areas and biodiversity in perpetuity.”
The recipients will be honored during NAA’s Annual Awards Luncheon on Oct. 8, 2026, at the 2026 Natural Areas Conference (NAC26): Where Science Meets Stewardship in Asheville, North Carolina.
Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award Southeastern Center for Conservation at Atlanta Botanical Garden The Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award recognizes excellence and achievement in managing the natural resources of reserves, parks, wilderness, and other protected areas.
The Southeastern Center for Conservation at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a leading force in plant conservation, with a 42-person team working across 15 states to safeguard the Southeast’s unique biodiversity. Since opening in 2019, the Center has served as a hub for regional research efforts, advancing the stewardship of imperiled plants and natural communities.
The Center’s integrated approach brings together conservation genetics, seed banking, micropropagation, cryopreservation, field biology, ecological restoration, and species reintroduction. Its efforts have strengthened plant conservation capacity across the Southeast through regional leadership, innovative partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. By pairing scientific innovation with collaborative stewardship, the Center exemplifies the commitment to effective natural resource management and conservation at the heart of the Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award.
About Natural Areas Association
Natural Areas Association is a national nonprofit serving scientists and practitioners who manage ecologically significant landscapes to protect biodiversity. Through science-based programs, training and professional networks, NAA connects research with on-the-ground practice and helps conservation professionals apply relevant knowledge, strategies and methods to natural areas stewardship. Learn more at https://www.naturalareas.org.
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