Charles A. Lewis

Excellence in Research Award

About the Award

Charles A. Lewis began his HT career in the early 1960’s, when he served as a garden contest judge for New York City housing developments. Charles was a member of the NCTRH (now AHTA) Board of Directors during 1973-1975.


In 1996 he published a book Green Nature, Human Nature: The meaning of plants in our lives. Through his zeal and commitment throughout his career to better understand the relationship of people and plants, Charles became known as the "Father of Horticultural Therapy" . The first Charles A. Lewis Excellence in Research Award was presented at the 2007 Conference.

Established to honor Charles A. Lewis, a pioneer in the field of people-plant interaction.

  • Recognizes research scientists who have published horticultural therapy research in a horticultural or medical journal.
  • Encourages evidence-based research that demonstrates the effectiveness of horticultural therapy.
  • Increases the awareness of research-based findings supporting the health benefits offered through horticulture.

The Charles A. Lewis Excellence in Research Award is no longer awarded in the AHTA Annual Awards.

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