The SCA was founded in 1957 by Liz Putnam while attending Vassar College. For her senior thesis, she modeled the SCA after the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps and enlisted student volunteers to assist with the upkeep of U.S. national parks and public spaces. Aided at the time by her colleague and fellow Vassar alumna Martha Hayne Talbot, Liz secured the interest and support of National Park Service officials and the first SCA volunteers arrived at Grand Teton and Olympic National Parks.
“I was raised to believe that we are all responsible for taking care of this earth and that we must always give something back,” she said. “The SCA started so we can help our country by protecting this land for future generations. I believe we all can make a positive difference in our lives.”
Today, the SCA is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults with a mission of building the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities we serve by engaging young people through hands-on service projects. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country.
Since 1957, the SCA has provided more than 100,000 young people with opportunities to protect the planet through conservation projects at national parks, state forests and local public spaces nationwide. The SCA is devoted to building equitable access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching members how to become environmental stewards.
In 2010, Ms. Putnam became the first conservationist to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal — the nation’s second-highest civilian award — when President Obama honored her during the awards ceremony at the White House. She remains a steadfast supporter of the SCA and an ever-present guiding force.
2016: The Wilderness Society’s Robert Marshall Award
2015: New York State Outdoor Education Association Leadership Award
2014: Doctor of Humane Letters, College of Wooster
2012: The Corps Network Lifetime Achievement
2010: Presidential Citizens Medal
2009: The Audubon Society Women in Conservation Rachel Carson Award
2008: Society of Woman Geographers Outstanding Achievement Awards
2007: Chatham University Rachel Carson Leadership Award
2007: LL Bean Outdoor Hero Award
2007: Sterling College Trustees Environmental Leadership Award
2006: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Honorary Doctorate
2006: University of Vermont Honorary Degree
2003: ChevronTexaco Conservation Award
1996: National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award
1996: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Sol Feinstone Environmental Award
1989: National Park Service Honorary Park Ranger Award
1989: Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Commendation
1987: U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary’s Commendation Award
1987: Student Conservation Association Resolution
1982: President Reagan presents the President’s Volunteer Action Award
1982: Student Conservation Association 25th Anniversary Award
1980: Garden Club of America Conservation Achievement Award
1974: U.S. Department of the Interior Distinguished Service Award
1971: Arizona Federated Garden Clubs Distinguished Service Award
1966: Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Award
