BOYLSTON—The head of one of Central Massachusetts’ most beloved outdoor destinations has earned national recognition for her work in conservation and community education.
Grace Elton, CEO of the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, was recently honored with a Community Commendation from The Garden Club of America (GCA), a prestigious national award recognizing exceptional leadership and contributions to environmental stewardship. Elton accepted the 2025 Zone Conservation Commendation on Oct. 15 at a gathering of the Worcester Garden Club, the local GCA chapter that nominated her for the award.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from The Garden Club of America,” Elton said in the announcement. “This commendation reflects not only my personal commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, but also the dedication of our Garden’s staff, board, and community of supporters to the vision of a world where people and plants thrive.”
Under Elton’s leadership since 2017, the Boylston-based botanic garden has expanded both its footprint and its role in the region’s environmental landscape. More than 250,000 visitors now come to the garden each year to explore its trails, learn about plants, and experience the natural world.
Her tenure has been marked by a series of milestones in sustainability and conservation. In 2022, the garden became the first in the country to earn “Green Zone” certification from the American Green Zone Alliance for its efforts to decarbonize horticultural operations. The following year, the garden added 14 acres of protected native plant habitat to its grounds, and in 2024, Elton formalized affiliations with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (U.S. branch) and the Ecological Landscape Alliance — partnerships celebrated by the GCA for strengthening plant conservation and ecological research.
“The Worcester Garden Club is proud to recognize this advancement in significant conservation efforts spearheaded by Grace Elton,” said Barbara Athy, awards chair for the Worcester Garden Club. “Beyond horticulture, we have found Grace’s expertise invaluable and inspirational as an educator and a community activist.”
The New England Botanic Garden, perched above the Wachusett Reservoir and just a short drive from Worcester, continues to serve as a regional hub for education, sustainability, and connection to nature.
For more information about the garden’s mission and programs, visit nebg.org.
