Leslie Mehrhoff, a former researcher in the ecology and evolutionary biology department and head of the Torrey Herbarium, was awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s highest honor this week, earning a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to understanding plant biodiversity.

Mehrhoff died in December. His widow, Olga Mehrhoff, and daughter, Jessie, accepted the award at a ceremony at Boston’s Fanueil Hall.

“It was an honor to attend on Les’ behalf,” said Olga. “We are so proud of Les’ legacy. It was a beautiful ceremony.”

Mehrhoff retired from UConn in 2009 after a distinguished career. He earned his graduate degree at UConn and spent many years with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection before taking a position in the EEB department.

He was an enthusiastic botanist, naturalist, and conservationist. In its award announcement, the EPA said that “during his career, Les inspired, encouraged, mentored, and educated many people, influencing botanists, biologists, legislators, students, and gardeners young and old.”

Mehrhoff worked to prevent the spread of invasive species in Connecticut and in other parts of the world, including China. He also worked to pass legislation in Connecticut protecting endangered species. He was instrumental in the publication of The Connecticut Butterfly Atlas, The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Connecticut, and The Atlas of Ground Beetles of Connecticut.

Mehrhoff’s enthusiasm and sense of wonder about the world was an inspiration to those around him, the EPA said in its statement, adding, “Les’ life work made incalculable contributions to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems throughout Connecticut and New England.”