Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Frontline program was honoured with a youth achievement award at the annual Lieutenant Governor Ontario Heritage Awards, presented by Ontario Heritage Trust at Queen’s Park on Feb. 26.
The award recognizes exceptional contributions to conserve Ontario’s cultural and natural heritage.
The 2015 Frontline program was recognized for its contributions to engage local youth in the Credit River watershed and cultivate environmental leaders. The program teaches high school students about local environmental issues, helps train students to deliver messaging to peers and inspires youth to take action.
“We were so proud to see our Frontline program members honoured with the youth achievement award,” said Deborah Martin-Downs, CAO of Credit Valley Conservation.
“These students are the environmental leaders of tomorrow. The more opportunity youth have to learn and get involved in the fight against climate change, the more prepared we will be to restore and protect our resources for future generations.”
Last year, CVC’s Frontline program trained over 25 high school participants to deliver workshops about conservation issues, fish, fish habitat and water quality.
Members contributed almost 430 volunteer hours to the program through more than 13 workshops and educating over 280 watershed residents.
Youth leaders connected with local students and shared environmental messages with the goal of inspiring greater action in the local community. Messages promoted simple tasks such as water conservation tips and encouraged participation in tree plantings or litter clean-ups.
The Lieutenant Governor Ontario Heritage Awards are administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust and recognize contributions to heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and biodiversity and cultural and natural heritage. The awards are given in four categories: youth achievement, lifetime achievement, community leadership and excellence in conservation.
