This awards program was created to recognize those that have made significant contributions to conservation. It was begun in 1914 by Dr. William T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Dr. Hornaday was an active and outspoken champion of natural resource conservation and a leader in saving the American bison from extinction. He named the award the Wildlife Protection Medal. Its purpose was to challenge Americans to work constructively for wildlife conservation and habitat protection. After his death in 1937, the award was renamed in Dr. Hornaday's honor and became a Boy Scouts of America award.

William T. Hornaday Unit Award

Awarded to Packs, Troops, Teams, and Crews for outstanding conservation projects.  The project must benefit a school, community, religious organization, or BSA property, or fulfill some other public service. The project must be from an approved conservation category. For a list of approved categories and additional information, please see the official William T. Hornaday Web site.

Boy Scouts and Venturers may receive the Hornaday Badge for completing a significant conservation project in addition to receiving various requisite merit badges.  The Eagle Scout Service Project may also be used as dual credit for the Conservation project, provided it meets the same requirements.  However, projects completed on BSA properties may only be used for the Hornaday Awards, not the Eagle Scout Rank.

William T. Hornaday Bronze & Silver Medal

Scouts and Venturers seeking to earn the Hornaday Bronze and Silver Medals take on a significant commitment to the conservation of our natural resources.  More merit badges and projects are required to be eligible for either of these prestigious awards.  Recipients of either of these medals is entitled to wear the William T. Hornaday Square Knot.

William T. Hornaday Gold Badge

Presented to Adult Scouters, the Hornaday Gold Badge recognizes outstanding contributions to conservation over a period of at least three years.  The Indian Waters Council presents one of these awards annually at the Council Recognition Dinner.  Nominations are made to and selected by the Council Conservation Committee.

William T. Hornaday Gold Medal

Truly a rare and distinguished award, the Hornaday Gold Medal is presented to adult Scouters with at least 20 years of service to Conservation on a Regional, National, or International level.  A maximum of 6 Gold Medals may be presented annually.  Recipients, as with the Bronze and Silver Medals, may also wear the William T. Hornaday Square Knot

William T. Hornaday Gold Certificate

Granted to organizations or individuals, the Hornaday Gold Certificate recognizes conservation leadership and education of youth at the Regional, National, or International level.  Nominations are made to the National Council and the National Conservation Committee by any recognized conservation or environmental protection organization.