William T. Hornaday Award

The William T. Hornaday Award recognizes Scouts and Scouters for ecology efforts and service to conservation in their communities. To earn the Hornaday Award as an individual, youth members must earn a series of merit badges followed by a concentrated series of conservation and/or environmental education projects to be conducted in the member's community or nearby, under the advise of a trained conservation, naturalist, or environmental engineering expert.

There are five levels to this award -- Unit Certificate, Badge, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Holders of the Bronze and Silver levels may wear the square knot. Holders of the Gold medal may also wear the gold medal or the square knot.

The Unit certificate is awarded by the local council to a den, pack, patrol, team, crew, or group of five or more Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers for a unique, substantial conservation project.

The Hornaday Badge is awarded by the local council to an individual Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer for outstanding service in conservation.

The Bronze medal is awarded to an individual for exceptional service in natural resource conservation or environmental improvement. A national committee judges the applications.

The Silver medal is awarded to an individual for unusual and distinguished service in natural resource conservation or environmental improvement. Applications are reviewed three times a year by a national committee.

The Gold medal is is nominative in nature and recognizes adult Scouter or Venturing leaders for outstanding service in natural resource conservation and youth education on a multistate or national basis. Nominations are made by a national or regional conservation organization or agency.