Established in 2022, the Forbush Naturalist Award recognizes individuals or groups for their lifetime achievements in conservation, academic rigor, scientific collaboration, advocacy, and public education about science and nature
WORCESTER—At the EcoTarium’s 199th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 11, Thomas W. French, Ph.D, of Princeton, received the EcoTarium’s highest honor, the 2024 Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist Award.
Established in 2022, the Forbush Naturalist Award recognizes individuals or groups for their lifetime achievements in conservation, academic rigor, scientific collaboration, advocacy, and public education about science and nature.
Throughout his 55-year career, French made significant contributions to environmental education, conservation, restoration of endangered species, and natural history. He was the founding leader of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, retiring in 2023 as assistant director. French has published 78 scientific papers and books covering a broad spectrum of natural history topics, including small mammals, birds, marine animals, and herptiles.
“Tom’s career reflects the commitment to conservation, academic rigor, and community collaboration exemplified by Edward Howe Forbush,” said EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith, in a statement. “Tom started the state’s endangered species program, and the state’s turtle conservation program in which the EcoTarium is a partner.” Smith said, “Tom led efforts to restore the peregrine falcon and bald eagle populations in Massachusetts, and demonstrated courage and dignity when confronting opposition to conservation efforts.”
The Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist Award commemorates the legacy of Edward Howe Forbush, renowned naturalist and former director of the Worcester Natural History Society, today known as the EcoTarium.
Forbush is remembered for his scholarly contributions and dedication to understanding the natural world through scientific observation, documentation, and publication.
His passion for ornithology and conservation led him to collaborate with bird watchers and enthusiasts across New England, significantly shaping the EcoTarium’s wildlife preservation focus and Massachusetts’ conservation efforts.
Award recipients embody Forbush’s ethos, leadership, lifetime of service, and engagement in the scientific community.
Send news, tips and otherwise to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
