Each year, The Akron Garden Club seeks to honor worthy local individuals and organizations, nominating them for national horticultural, preservation, conservation and other awards bestowed by The Garden Club of America (GCA), of which Akron is a member club.  In 2011, two individuals, an organization and a tree were recognized with national awards.

Daniel M. Rice of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition received the Historic Preservation Commendation.

Kenneth D. Cochran of Secrest Arboretum, Wooster, Ohio, was named an honorary member of the GCA.

The Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park received one of the highest honors bestowed annually by GCA, the Margaret Douglas Medal. 

Finally, GCA named 'Abies concolor' as its plant of the year, based upon the Akron Garden Club's nomination.  The GCA recognizes its plant of the year with the Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal.

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