In honor of Phyllis Wyeth’s legacy, the Herring Gut Coastal Science Center is set to bestow two prestigious awards upon deserving individuals. The Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award recognizes those who have made remarkable contributions to the field of aquatic science and marine trades in a way that aligns with the Center’s vision and reflects the values of its founder.
Phyllis Wyeth founded the Herring Gut Learning Center in 1999, inspired by her mother, Alice du Pont Mills, an environmental activist and philanthropist. With a deep commitment to the environment and community, Wyeth aimed to educate local children about aquaculture, marine conservation, and the preservation of Maine’s traditional fishing communities. Her efforts were recognized when she received the NOAA Fisheries Environmental Hero award in 2002, leading to the renaming of the Center as the Herring Gut Coastal Science Center in 2023.
Nominations for the Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award are now open until June 30th. To be eligible for this prestigious award, nominees must be part-time or full-time residents of Maine and have demonstrated significant contributions to the conservation and advancement of the state’s aquatic environment and marine-related coastal trades. They must also exhibit visionary qualities in areas such as innovation, marketing, habitat protection, marine science, marine trade education or technology.
The selection process will be carried out by an independent board comprised of Herring Gut’s community members and alumni. The winners will be announced at An Evening of Fresh to Salt on August 7th at Saltwater Fields in South Thomaston. This event promises to be a celebration of excellence in aquatic science and marine trades, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to these fields while upholding Phyllis Wyeth’s vision for sustainable coastal communities.
