Herring Gut Coastal Science Center seeks nominations for 2026 Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award

PENOBSCOT BAY PILOT • May 15, 2026

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. Submit your nomination using the form on their website (herringgut.org) by July 1.