The Pugsley Medal was created by Cornelius Amory Pugsley in 1928. The award honors champions of parks and conservation.
Responsibility for selecting the recipients has shifted from the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society to the National Park Foundation, and most recently to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Until 1952 there was a gold, silver, and bronze award, and in 1953 it was switched to national, state, and local.