REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS

Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG)

LESLIE J. MEHRHOFF AWARD – 2026

Nomination deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026

Background:

In honor of botanist, naturalist, and CIPWG co-founder Les Mehrhoff, the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group created the Leslie J. Mehrhoff Award to recognize a deserving individual, group, or organization that has worked on invasive plant issues in Connecticut. Award criteria and the nominating process are detailed below. This award will be given biennially at the CIPWG Invasive Plant Symposium. This year’s symposium will take place on October 28, 2026. CIPWG information and symposium details can be found at cipwg.uconn.edu/2026-symposium

Symposium Main Event Page

Previous Winners:

• Susan Parr (2002)
• Kathleen Nelson (2004)
• Donna Ellis (2006)
• Mark Brand (2008)
• Charlotte Pyle (2010)
• Kathy Connolly (2012)
• Tom Zetterstrom (2014)

 

Award Criteria:

The award will be given to an individual (except those on the CIPWG steering committee), a group, or organization that has made significant or commendable contributions toward awareness, prevention, or management of invasive plants in Connecticut. These contributions are broadly defined and could include (but are not limited to):

• Innovative approaches or noteworthy efforts for invasive plant management
• Data collection or citizen science involvement with invasive plants over a long period of time
• Awareness of and advocacy for invasive plant issues
• Efforts to further early detection of new invasives in Connecticut
• Efforts on behalf of invasive plant alternatives and natural biological diversity

Nominees should also demonstrate an enthusiasm for biological diversity, the natural world, and/or Connecticut’s natural heritage.

 

Nomination Guidelines:

Please send the following information to the CIPWG 2026 Leslie J. Mehrhoff Award Selection Committee, c/o Frank Belknap via email at frankbelknap3@gmail.com.

1. Name of individual, group, or organization being nominated and their contact information*
2. Nominator’s name and contact information
3. Short statement (250-word max.) on why the nominee should be considered for the award

*Please note that the Committee may wish to contact nominees for additional information

* We encourage resubmission of previous nominations (that weren’t awarded) if the individual has continued their commitment to invasive plant education and management.

 

Award Details:

The award recipient(s) will be announced on October 28 during the CIPWG Symposium. The recipient(s) will receive complimentary registration and a plaque.

Nomination deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026

Award recipient(s) will be announced on the CIPWG website and listserv following the award presentation at the symposium.

Symposium Information

For information about the CIPWG Symposium, please visit cipwg.uconn.edu/2026-symposium. For additional symposium information contact Alyssa Siegel-Miles, Alyssa.Siegel-Miles@uconn.edu.