Douglas Tallamy of University of Delaware honored with conservation leadership award

The National Wildlife Federation honored Dr. Douglas Tallamy, the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, for his dedication to helping individuals connect to their local ecosystem and understand the impact they can make with the land they steward.

“Native plant-by-native plant, acre-by-acre, Doug Tallamy is inspiring millions of Americans to restore essential wildlife habitat all across America. Doug has an unmatched ability to connect people with sound science and show how individual actions can restore ecosystems and the food web that all species depend upon,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Through his research and publications, teachings, and public outreach, Doug’s work studying insects shows us that sometimes helping the smallest species can have the biggest impact. He’s truly exemplified how we bring all people together to help wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world.”

© The National Wildlife Federation

"I am truly honored to receive this award, but I have not forgotten that it was the folks at National Wildlife Federation who enabled me to accomplish much of what I’m being recognized for,” said Tallamy. “Hats off to National Wildlife Federation!"

During his time at the University of Delaware, Tallamy has authored 106 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 41 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities.

Essential to Tallamy’s and the National Wildlife Federation’s goal of conversion of native habitat is providing the general public, gardeners, landscapers, municipalities, and conservation professionals with lists of native plants that support the highest number of butterflies, moths and other insects- ultimately feeding 96 percent of terrestrial bird populations. As such, Tallamy partnered with the Federation in 2014 to conduct the research that became the foundation of the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder launched in 2016. In 2020, Tallamy and his research team completed additional work with the National Wildlife Federation to provide new Keystone Native Plant lists. Keystone plants are the centerpiece of Garden for Wildlife™ Native Plant Collections available for 36 states. 

In addition to authoring numerous books and earning countless awards for his work, Tallamy also co-founded HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK with Michelle Alfandari as a grassroots call to action to restore biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting Native Plants and creating new ecological networks.

The National Conservation Leadership Award honors individuals for their sustained conservation commitment and leadership. Tallamy was honored during the National Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting and 86^th anniversary celebration, which was held for the third time as a virtual event this year.

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Sen. John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.