Awards presented annually by the R.I. Natural History Survey build community by recognizing exceptional skills, knowledge, observational powers and generosity of spirit. The recipients of our 2023 awards include Distinguished Naturalist (posthumous) Edna Lawrence, founder of the RISD Nature Lab; Distinguished Naturalist Peter Paton, faculty in the URI Department of Natural resources Science; Founders’ Award for Exceptional Service to Carl Sawyer of Perryville; and Golden Eye Silas Claypool, a 10-year-old fungi aficionado from Barrington. At the ceremony you’ll learn a little bit about each of the recipients, and will be treated to remarks from Peter Paton with highlights from his long research and academic career, including favorite photographs.