In early 2020, Michael Laschober recruited a group of schoolteachers who were interested in going on Botany Walks together. But days before their first scheduled walk, the COVID-19 virus brought all of St. Louis to a halt. A year later, Michael tried again and was able to recruit another group of teachers. On the first Sunday of April 2021, they set out botanizing in Castlewood State Park – wearing surgical masks! Rain or shine, the summer Botany Walks have continued to this day (thankfully without the masks). His group, Saint Louis Nature Students, has grown and has progressed from one walk, repeated on both Saturday and Sunday, to two walks in different locations on weekend days. He documents the group’s activities on his website, Saint Louis Nature Students, provides illustrated botany lessons on floral structure and plant families, and in detailed reports shared with attendees. Others have also benefited from his efforts, including the WGNSS Monday Botany walks participants. Michael is a faithful attendee on those walks as well and has provided plant lists and documentation for many of our trips (see example). Few people have done more in the past few years to convey their appreciation of Missouri’s native flora to others than Michael! Check out the links above for examples of his hard work and of his passion for this project. He is truly deserving of this award.

Thank you to the award recipients for their contributions and those who submitted nominations for their recognition!