TRC_ Conservation

This awards program was created to recognize those that have made significant contributions to conservation. The fundamental purpose of the Hornaday Awards program is to encourage learning by the participants and to increase public awareness about natural resource conservation. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting's emphasis on respecting the outdoors. The goal of this awards program is to encourage and recognize truly outstanding efforts undertaken by Scouting units, Scouts and Venturers, adult Scouters, and other individuals, corporations, and institutions that have contributed significantly to natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

It was begun in 1914 by Dr. William T. Hornaday , director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Dr. Hornaday was an active and outspoken champion of natural resource conservation and a leader in saving the American bison from extinction. He named the award the Wildlife Protection Medal. Its purpose was to challenge Americans to work constructively for wildlife conservation and habitat protection. After his death in 1937, the award was renamed in Dr. Hornaday's honor and became a Boy Scouts of America award.

Approximately 1,100 medals have been awarded over the past 80 years. These awards represent a substantial commitment of time and energy by individuals who have learned the meaning of a conservation/environmental ethic.

Any Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer willing to devote the time and energy to work on a project based on sound scientific principles and guided by a conservation professional or a well-versed layperson can qualify for one of the Hornaday Awards. The awards often take months to complete, so activities should be planned well in advance.

There are several different Hornaday awards. (The gold badge and gold medal are for adults.) Think of them as an "olympics of conservation," with an ever-increasing scale of challenge. Go to the FAQ at www.scouting.org for more information.

The award is given in one of seven forms.

The local council may present the William T. Hornaday unit certificate for a conservation project by a pack, troop, team, or crew.
The council may award the Hornaday badge to individual Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers for outstanding service in conservation.
The council may award the Hornaday gold badge to adult Scouters who have given significant leadership to conservation at a council or district level.

All other Hornaday Awards are conferred by the National Council:

Scouts and Venturers may apply for the bronze and silver medals.
Adult Scouters may be nominated for the gold medal.
Organizations unaffiliated with Scouting may be nominated for the gold certificate

Hornaday Award	Administration	Awarded to	Type of Award	How to Qualify	Maximum Awards/Year	Requirements
Unit Award	Council	Pack, troop, team, crew	Certificate	Be nominated or apply	Unlimited	Complete one project; 60% of unit contributes
Badge	Council	Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer	Badge and certificate	Apply	Unlimited	Complete advancement requirements; complete one substantial project
Bronze Medal	National	Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer	Medal, certificate, and square knot	Apply	Unlimited	Complete advancement requirements; complete at least three bronze substantial projects, each from a different project category
Silver Medal	National	Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer	Medal, certificate, and square knot	Apply	Unlimited	Complete advancement requirements; complete at least four silver substantial projects, each from a different project category
Gold Badge	Council	Adult Scouter	Badge	Be nominated	Unlimited	Adult Scouter; leadership to conservation at council or district level for at least three years. The nominee should have demonstrated commitment to the education of youth on a council or district level for significant conservation efforts.
Gold Medal	National	Adult Scouter	Medal, certificate, and square knot	Be nominated	Six	Adult Scouter; leadership to conservation at national or regional level over a lifetime (at least 20 years). Nominations must be approved by the Hornaday Awards Committee and by the Conservation Committee of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Gold Certificate	National	Corporation or organization	Certificate	Be nominated	Six	Outstanding contribution to youth conservation education for at least three years.