Mass Audubon Honors Natasha Grigg with 2026 Nature of Massachusetts Award

Mass Audubon, the largest nature conservation organization in New England, named Boxford resident Natasha Grigg as its 2026 Nature of Massachusetts Award recipient, which is Mass Audubon’s highest honor. 

Grigg, a lifelong supporter of both conservation and community, has been an active advocate for nature both in her town of Boxford and across the entire North Shore. Referencing a “fully intimate connection with nature,” Grigg is an ardent animal lover and supporter of accessible open spaces. She lived next to Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary – her favorite outdoor space in the region – and spent countless hours exploring those trails with her family to form a deeper connection to outdoor spaces. 

“Natasha is a joyful, inspiring, intellectually stimulating person whose love of nature, wildlife, and the outdoors is second to none,” said Mass Audubon President & CEO David O’Neill. “Natasha’s dedication and generosity when it comes to making sure the natural world is protected for future generations makes her the perfect recipient of the Nature of Massachusetts Award.” 

Those generations watched Grigg accept the award in person on Oct. 28, as she was joined by her daughters, Jennifer and Jessica, as well as her granddaughter Eleanor. Grigg was ever humble in her acceptance of the award, and as she approaches her 90^th birthday she is not shy about encouraging others to support nature any way they can. 

“This love of nature and animals has been with me all my life, and I have been very blessed and privileged, so why would I not share and improve the world around me,” Grigg said. “If you can do something to help nature, then you should and you must. You can do it in small ways...talk to people, volunteer, plant something. And if you have money, give some of it.” 

The award, formerly known as The Audubon A Award, recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have significantly furthered the cause of conservation and environmental protection. Former recipients include philanthropist Kirsten Waerstad, MathWorks, former Governor Charlie Baker, former Attorney General and current Governor Maura Healey, and former Governor Deval Patrick, and is reserved for those who consistently and effectively broaden public awareness about protecting the nature of the Commonwealth.