Rutgers Gardens, a public botanical garden in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has named plant pathologist Ann F. Rhoads, a recently retired associate of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, as the inaugural recipient of its Hamilton Award. Dr. Rhoads worked at the Arboretum for 36 years and retired in 2013.

The new honor recognizes “an unsung hero, a quiet leader, or patient mentor in the field of horticulture” and is named for former Rutgers professor and gardens director Bruce “Doc” Hamilton.

“The selection committee was delighted with the outstanding credentials of all the nominees but Dr. Rhoads fit the intent and spirit of this new award perfectly,” said Bob Lyons, chair of the Rutgers Gardens Advisory Board and a professor emeritus of plant and soil sciences at the University of Delaware.

During her time at the Morris Arboretum, Dr. Rhoads developed a comprehensive database of state plants that has become a model for other states. She also introduced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to the arboretum community and the entire Delaware Valley.

“I am honored to have been selected to receive the Hamilton Award,” said Dr. Rhoads.

Dr. Rhoads has served over the years as the chair of botany and director of the Pennsylvania Flora Project, and the senior botanist at the Arboretum.