Volunteers at Waynco Prairie. Photo: Stephen May London, ON - Carolinian Canada Coalition announced today the winners of their 11th annual Conservation Awards. Four individuals, as well as two organizations and a high school will receive their awards for outstanding conservation work when the Coalition gathers for its Annual General Meeting on May 27 in Port Rowan.
"It is a real tribute to be nominated for and to have our name attached to an award that has been given to so many great conservationists in the past", said Tom Palko, whose company Waynco is among the winners. Waynco has carried out a number of habitat restoration projects on their Cambridge property, the site of one of the largest remaining stands of tall grass prairie in Ontario. This type of habitat protects uncommon and unusual-sounding species such as Whorled Milkwort, Round-headed Bush-clover and Tick- Trefoil.
"This year we had some very strong nominations," said Michelle Kanter, Executive Director of Carolinian Canada Coalition (CCC). "The accomplishments of this year's habitat champions are diverse – whether working as educators, ecosystem rehabilitation experts, businesses, or special land-use projects – they have all gone beyond the call of duty as stewards of the land."
For the first time since the awards were first given out in 1999, there are two recipients of a lifetime achievement award. Harry Barrett, a Port Dover area farmer and educator, was Founding President of both the Norfolk Field Naturalists and the Dover Mills Heritage Association. George Francis of Waterloo led the creation of the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve and launched one of the first Environmental Studies programs in Canada at the University of Waterloo. Both played a leadership role beginning in the 1980s in what is now the Carolinian Canada Coalition, a network of individuals and organizations 1,200 strong.
Others being honoured include category winners Deanna Lindblad of Port Colborne and Dave Reid of Simcoe (individual), Robert Bateman High School in Burlington (youth), Bert Miller Nature Club in Fort Erie (joining Waynco in group category), and Honourable Mention to Long Point Causeway Improvement Project.
The awards ceremony is taking place at the Port Rowan Royal Canadian Legion on May 27 at 1 pm. It follows a lunch and keynote address by Douglas Desmond, a farmer and lawyer speaking on the impact of wind turbines on rural landscapes. The public is welcome for a suggested $20 donation, with advance registration appreciated at www.carolinian.org. Accomplishments of award recipients can be found at the website as well.
Stretching from Toronto to Windsor, the Carolinian Life Zone of southwestern Ontario is among North America's most vibrant and fragile ecoregions. Carolinian Canada Coalition brings together diverse groups to steward southwestern Ontario's unique habitat network, to support thriving wild and human communities in harmony for generations.
Each year, the Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals and groups in greening the future of southwestern Ontario.
Visit www.carolinian.org for more information!
For more information, contact:
Sandy Clipsham,
Network Manager
network@carolinian.org
519.831.8222
Michelle Kanter,
Executive Director
admin@carolinian.org
519.433.7077
The Carolinian Canada Coalition (www.carolinian.org) is dedicated to stewarding a healthy ecoregion in collaboration with a wide range of public and private stakeholders. CCC programs have been focusing on research, awareness and effective action by connecting people who care for nature since 1984.
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