On June 14, 2017, the Fernald Preserve in Ohio received a Zone Conservation Commendation from The Garden Club of America (GCA). The award is presented to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to conservation. Composed of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, GCA Zone 10 presented the commendation at their annual meeting banquet.

The Fernald Preserve was recognized “for the ecological restoration and succesful transformation of the Fernald nuclear weapons site into a nature preserve, habitat, and safe haven for wildlife.”

GCA has a strong conservation focus, and it purposes include stimulating knowledge and love of gardening; sharing the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence, and publications; and restoring, improving, and protecting the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement. Founded in 1913, GCA is a volunteer, nonprofit organization with 200 clubs and approximately 18,000 club members throughout the country.