Merit Awards

Justin C. “Chub” Harper Award for the Development in the Field of Conifers

Chub Harper, “stomping out junipers,” at the Harper Collection in Hidden Lakes Garden, photographed by Bert Cregg

This merit award is given annually in the summer at the ACS National Meeting. It is named for the renowned collector of conifers and prominent ACS supporter (and past President) whose collection of over 500 specimens is now preserved at Michigan State University’s Hidden Lake Gardens.

The recipient of this award has displayed many of the attributes of Chub Harper (1928 – 2009) which include the collecting and displaying of conifers, willingness to share knowledge of plants, and an enthusiasm and drive to discover and develop noteworthy cultivars. Also for consideration are published articles, books or texts as well as new or improved propagation techniques and designs for the use of conifers. (This award was initially called the ACS Award of Merit for Development in the Field of Conifers.)

ACS Members can nominate another member by sending their name, address, phone number and email address along with a brief note describing the candidate and the reasons the candidate is deserving of this recognition. Contact: Jeff Harvey, ACS President, and please put Harper Award Nominee in the subject line of the email.

Marvin and Emelie Snyder Award of Merit for Dedicated Support of the American Conifer Society

Marvin and Emilie Snyder with Carole Groh (left) during the 2004 National Meeting at Dawes Arboretum in Ohio

Since 1995 this merit award is given annually in the summer at the ACS National Meeting. It is named for the Overland Park, Kansas, couple who gave unstintingly to the organization for over two decades. Marvin served in a leadership role for nine of the ACS’s first 21 years. Emelie played an equally important role behind the scenes as a volunteer at local, regional and national events. The Snyders had a significant impact on shaping the organization as it exists today.

In 2000 Marvin and Emilie Snyder visited with Dennis Groh (left) in his Michigan garden

The Snyder Award recognizes the efforts of those who have made outstanding contributions to the American Conifer Society through their service, enthusiasm, commitment and promotion of membership in the ACS. The award recognizes those who have been deeply involved in the activities of the ACS, regionally, nationally or both. (This award was initially called the Award of Merit for Dedicated Support of the ACS.)

ACS Members can nominate another member by sending their name, address, phone number and e-mail address along with a brief note describing the candidate and the reasons the candidate is deserving of this recognition. Contact: Jeff Harvey, ACS President, and please put Snyder Award Nominee in the subject line of the e-mail.

Click here to see our history of merit award winners.