The Herring Gut Coastal Science Center will award the Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award to individuals who have contributed to the field of aquatic science and/or marine trades in a way that exemplifies Herring Gut Coastal Science Center’s vision and the legacy and innovation of founder Phyllis Wyeth. Phyllis Wyeth founded the Herring Gut Learning Center in 1999. Inspired by her mother, Alice du Pont Mills, who was also an environmental activist and lifelong philanthropist, Wyeth led her life with a dedication to the environment and giving back to her community. 

Wyeth created the Herring Gut Learning Center with the goal of teaching local children about aquaculture and marine conservation and to help preserve Maine’s traditional fishing communities. Wyeth was later awarded the NOAA Fisheries Environmental Hero award in 2002 for her efforts with the organization. The Center was renamed the Herring Gut Coastal Science Center in 2023.

External nominations and self-nomination are now being accepted. Please submit your nomination using the form on their website (herringgut.org) by June 30. The top nominees and winners will be selected by an independent board composed of Herring Gut’s affiliated community members and alumni. The winners will be announced at A Night to Make Waves event on August 6 at Saltwater Fields (52 SaltWater Way, South Thomaston, ME 04858). 

PHYLLIS WYETH VISIONARY AWARD  AWARD CRITERIA

The nominee must: 

• Be a Maine part-time or full-time resident 

• Have made significant contributions on behalf of the conservation and advancement of Maine aquatic environment, and/or marine related coastal trades. 

• Have proven themself to be a visionary in innovation, marketing, distribution, protection of habitat, marine science, marine trade education, or technology