Ms. Putnam is a pioneering force in the world of conservation. In the mid 1950s, while a student at Vassar College and in response to the threats facing America's national parks, Liz envisioned a contemporary conservation corps utilizing the strength and energy of students. She wrote her senior thesis on this concept.

Through her hard work, vision, and determination, she established the Student Conservation Association, today the nation's largest youth conservation leadership organization. Each year, nearly 4,000 students protect and restore America's parks, forests, refuges, seashores and communities in all 50 states, contributing over two million hours of conservation service annually. Liz is still a guiding force at the SCA, and we are honoring her because she has truly created the next generation of conservation leaders.

For more information:

• Student Conservation Association
• Acceptance Speech Video