Retired Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) horticulture curator Henning von Schmeling was recently honored with the 2025 Tom Patrick Award from the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance (GPCA).
Established in 2019, the Tom Patrick Award commemorates individuals who demonstrate “exemplary dedication to the study, teaching and service of Georgia’s native flora,” according to a release.
Von Schmeling, who retired in 2024 after 39 years at CNC, was a founding member of GPCA and played a significant role in the restoration and protection of Georgia’s rare native plant species during that time.
Among his noted accomplishments include helping to revitalize the Alabama Leather Flower, as well as the Georgia Rockcress — which was down to just one surviving plant before von Schmeling came up with a solution to bring it back from the brink of extinction.
In receiving the Tom Patrick Award, von Schmeling became just the fifth person to ever earn the conservation-focused honor.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Henning’s retirement than seeing him earn this incredibly prestigious award from our partners at the GPCA,” said Natasha Rice, chief executive officer of Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Von Schmeling began his career at CNC back in 1986. The Atlanta conservation nonprofit says that he exemplified “a deep commitment to advancing knowledge, education and stewardship of the state’s native plants” during his tenure with the organization.
“Henning was a key member of our team and, during his time here, contributed to many of our successes, so it brings myself, our team and our entire organization such immense pride to see him recognized in this way,” said Rice.
Now residing in his native Germany, von Schmeling remains actively involved in conservation efforts and continues to educate his community on the importance of environmental stewardship.
“It has been an honor to work at Chattahoochee Nature Center and have an impact on protecting and preserving some of the rarest plants in Georgia. I hope my work will continue on so that these plants have a chance,” said von Schmeling. “Receiving the Tom Patrick Medal of Honor was unexpected, but I will cherish it and will continue working with rare plants in Germany.”
