Forbush's Legacy

In 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Worcester Natural History Society, which does business as the EcoTarium, established the Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist Award to recognize the lifetime achievements of an individual or group who have lived the EcoTarium’s mission and values, with a commitment to conservation and a passion for science and nature. This prestigious award celebrates a devotion to academic rigor, scientific collaboration, conservation advocacy and public education, all values which continue to be upheld by the EcoTarium today. The Forbush Naturalist Award commemorates the legacy of Edward Howe Forbush, a renowned naturalist remembered for his many scholarly contributions and his unwavering devotion to understanding the natural world through scientific observation, documentation, and publication. Forbush was active as an educator as a means of protecting native wildlife and wild spaces.

Recipients of the Forbush Naturalist Award embody Forbush's ethos, leadership, lifetime of service, and participation in the scientific community. Their work reflects the values of environmental stewardship upheld by the EcoTarium.

The Forbush Naturalist Award solidifies the Museum’s commitment to conservation, community collaboration, and recognition of the leaders and innovators who inspire us all to become better stewards of the environment.

About Edward Howe Forbush

Edward Howe Forbush was the former President of the Worcester Natural History Society, and Managing Director of the Museum, and a prominent national figure and pioneer in ornithology, conservation and museum education.

Born in 1858 in Quincy, MA and raised in West Roxbury, MA, Edward Howe Forbush exhibited a keen interest in birds and biology from a young age. By the age of 14, he was deeply involved in observing and hunting birds and preserving study specimens through taxidermy. At age 16, Forbush traveled to Worcester, MA and was hired by the Worcester Natural History Society to serve as the Museum’s Curator of Ornithology. In 1880, he was appointed President of the Worcester Natural History Society (WNHS). In 1884, Forbush established the WNHS Natural History Camp on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond. The Museum has continued this tradition for the past 140 years, now offering Summer Nature Camps for youth at the Museum’s 222 Harrington Way location in Worcester, MA.

Throughout his career, Forbush authored significant works on various topics including game birds, wild fowl, shore birds, the gypsy moth, and the protection of useful birds. He was renowned for his collaboration with bird watchers across New England, compiling their observations and providing valuable insights into North American bird behavior. Forbush's dedication to academic rigor, scientific collaboration, conservation advocacy, and public education set a standard that continues to be upheld by the EcoTarium today.

In 1905, Forbush was a founding member of the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals and played a key role in founding the Massachusetts Audubon Society. He emerged as a leader in New England's conservation efforts, particularly in initiatives aimed at protecting native wildlife and migratory birds. Forbush's legacy remains an enduring inspiration for those dedicated to the study and conservation of the natural world.

Read Edward Howe Forbush's Obituary

About the Award

About the EcoTarium

The EcoTarium is New England’s leading museum of science and nature, an indoor-outdoor experience dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and nature in visitors of all ages. Founded in 1825 as one of the oldest natural history museums in the country, the EcoTarium has been a leader in informal science and nature education for nearly 200 years. Highlights of the 45-acre Worcester campus include the science center with three floors of interactive exhibits, Alden Planetarium, Science Discovery programs and extensive outdoor nature trails, wildlife zoo and habitats, seasonal railroad with the Explorer Express Train, and extensive outdoor play exhibit, Nature Explore®. The EcoTarium is located at 222 Harrington Way, Worcester MA 01604. Parking is free and Museum admission tickets may be purchased online. The EcoTarium is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Past Recipients

2024 - Dr. Thomas W. French

In 2024, Thomas W. French, PhD, was awarded the Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist Award for his lifelong commitment to conservation, academic rigor, scientific collaboration, advocacy, and educating the public about science and nature.

Thomas French made significant contributions to the fields of environmental education, conservation, restoration of endangered species, and natural history during his fifty-year career. French was the founding leader of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, where he retired in 2023 as Assistant Director.

2023 - Steve Fischer

In 2023, Steve Fischer, the Executive Director of REC (Regional Environmental Council), was honored with the Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist Award. Steve has been an integral part of the Worcester community for the past three decades, dedicating himself to various roles within community organizing, campaign advocacy, youth development, and nonprofit management for over 20 years.

His journey with REC began two decades ago as a volunteer with the YouthGROW program. Since then, Steve has worn multiple hats within the organization, serving as a board member, program staff, and eventually assuming the role of Executive Director in October 2009.

2022 - Deb Cary

Deb Cary is a dedicated nonprofit professional who has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to protect nature and improve the quality of life for Massachusetts residents. To recognize Deb’s passion and commitment to the nonprofit sector, she was honored as the recipient of the inaugural Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist award in 2022.

Deb has worked with Mass Audubon for the past 31 years, and was instrumental in establishing and growing Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, an urban nature center in the City of Worcester. Under Deb’s leadership, Mass Audubon spearheaded multiple campaigns to establish the wildlife sanctuary and expand the visitor center, including several land acquisition efforts and capital improvement projects, resulting in a sanctuary that today stands at 430 acres. In 2006, Deb’s responsibilities extended to include management of the 1,200-acre Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton. In addition to her work at Mass Audubon, Ms. Cary serves on the Town of Princeton’s open space committee, works closely on several local land conservation projects, and is a founding board member of the Greater Worcester Land Trust.

The Edward Howe Forbush Naturalist Award

Forbush's Legacy

Past Recipients

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