Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Service Award

About the Award

Alice Burlingame is considered by many to be the first American Horticultural Therapist.  Alice was one of the first professional registered horticultural therapist recognized by NCTRH. Alice began her career as a Psychiatric Social Worker, later completing graduate work in horticulture and landscape architecture.


In 1951, Alice established a horticultural therapy program at Clinton Valley Center, a state hospital in Michigan.  In 1952, Alice established one of the first training workshops using plant materials for therapy. 



In 1973, Alice was one of the original founders of National Council for Therapy and Rehabilitation through Horticulture (NCTRH) and served on the board of directors.

Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Service Award

  • Recognizes an organization or individual who has given freely of their time, talent, and energy.
  • Focuses on a horticultural therapy contribution at the local, state, or national level.
  • Influences the thinking and attitude of the general public in a positive manner regarding horticultural therapy.
  • Assists in the furtherance of the goals and objectives of AHTA through their service.
  • Originally the Humanitarian Service Award, the Award was officially named the Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Service Award in 1984. 

Award Criteria

Given to an organization or individual who has given freely of their time, talent, and energy with special significance for horticultural therapy on a local, state or national level. Outstanding voluntary contribution to an organization or program need not necessarily be made in the year in which the nomination is made.

The person or organization to be recognized shall have:

  • Influenced the thinking and attitude of the general public in a positive manner regarding horticultural therapy.
  • Assisted in the furtherance of the goals and objectives of AHTA through their service.
  • Significantly involved others in work associated with horticultural therapy.
  • Made an impact in the furtherance of horticultural therapy programming and services.

Past Winners

2025: Sarah Tanke

2024: MaryAnne McMillan HTR

2023:  not awarded

2022: Florida Horticulture for Health Network

2021: Pamela Chance, HTR

2020: not awarded

2019: not awarded

2018: not awarded

2017: Cathy Flinton, HTR

2016: Candice Shoemaker, HTR

2015: not awarded

2014: Susan Morgan

2013: Laura DePrado

2012: Pat Buhler Blankenship & the Bueler Foundation

2011: 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show Exhibit Committee

2010: not awarded

2009: not awarded

2008: Lesley Fleming, HTR

2007: not awarded

2006: Koral Sienknect, HTR

2005: Christine Kamnikar

2004: Karin Fleming

2003: Lana Dreyfuss

2002: Judy Wengerd & McGregor Home

2001: 2001: Julia Beems, HTR