The Vermont State Award for Conserving Native Plants and Their Habitats,was given to David J. Brynn, founder and director of the Vermont Family Forests Foundation, of Bristol, VT, for exemplary and innovative work to conserve and cultivate the forests of Vermont, benefiting private woodland owners and the community at large.

Brynn has created a local, green-certified, non-profit family forest conservation organization dedicated to conserving the health of the forest by assisting private land owners and, when appropriate, promoting the careful cultivation of local family forests for community benefit. David is also a strong advocate of identifying and mapping natural communities to serve as the basis of forest management. This approach allows managers to identify sensitive and special areas and rare species, tailoring management practices to best conserve them.