In 2007, FBO initiated an award that recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of field botany in Ontario. That award is named the John Goldie Award for Field Botany. The award recognizes Goldie's pioneering efforts in conducting surveys of vegetation in Ontario and New York State in the early 1800's. The Goldie Award is presented each year at our AGM.

The 2026 Goldie Award posthumously celebrates the botanical accomplishments of Walter Muma, who will be remembered for his incredible enthusiasm for Ontario plants and his numerous contributions to the Field Botanists of Ontario.

Past recipients include John Semple (2018), Donald Britton (2007), George Argus (2008), John Morton (2009), Paul Maycock (2010), Jim Pringle (2011), Peter Ball (2012), Adele Crowder (2013), Dorothy Tiedje (2014), Joan Crowe (2015), and James Phipps (2016), Irwin Brodo (2017), and Mary Gartshore (2025).