Last weekend, Ontario Nature, a leading conservation organization, recognized the exceptional contributions of individuals and Wellington County for natural habitat protection through the organization’s conservation awards.
Naturalists from across Ontario came to Ontario Nature’s 81st annual general meeting.
The recipients are:
– Ontario Nature Achievement award, Dieter and Marlies Schoenefeld, given to Ontario Nature members who have made an outstanding contribution to the activities of Ontario Nature. As members and leaders of the Sudbury Field Naturalists for the past 30 years, the Schoenefelds worked tirelessly to protect their natural surroundings.
– W.W.H. Gunn Conservation award, Ken Reger, awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding personal service and a strong commitment to nature conservation over a number of years with exceptional results. Reger has dedicated the past 20 years to reversing the decline in Ontario’s eastern bluebird populations by constructing and putting up almost 350 nesting boxes. His efforts have helped approximately 2,600 birds reach maturity.
– Richards Education award, to Jenny Bull. It is awarded to an individual who has succeeded in helping people understand the natural world and become enthusiastic supporters of conservation and environmental protection. Bull has fostered an awareness and appreciation of nature through the creation of teaching tools for elementary and high school students, developing techniques for plant identification, editing publications for the Toronto Field Naturalists and leading numerous field trips.
– W.E. Saunders Natural History award, Harry Lumsden. Awarded to an individual who has achieved a significant goal related to an aspect of natural history or natural science research, raising public awareness of natural history, demonstrating local leadership, saving a natural area, or generating conservation funds or publications. The swans had disappeared from the province, until he made their return his mission and launched the Ontario Trumpeter Swan restoration program in 1982.
– J. R. Dymond Public Service award, Sandy Levin. Awarded to an individual or group that shows distinguished public service that resulted in exceptional environmental achievement. Levin is a champion for woodland protection in London. In 2006, developers launched an appeal to allow them access to 800 hectares of protected woods. Fearing that the city might not successfully defend itself, Levin hired a planner and a lawyer at his own expense to argue on behalf of conservation. His strategy paid off as the developers’ appeal was turned down.
– The Lee Symmes Municipal award, The County of Wellington. Awarded to a town, city or municipality or region that exhibits community leadership and exceptional achievement in planning or implementing programs that protect and regenerate the natural environment within a community. Wellington County initiated its Green Legacy program in 2004. Since that time, 1.3 million trees of more than two dozen native species have been planted by thousands of volunteers, mostly students.
The program is now regarded as the largest municipal tree planting program in North America.
– The Margaret and Carl Nunn Memorial Camp Scholarship award, Fraser and Owen Darling and Bence Esztegar. Awarded to individuals who are 10 to 14 years of age, and display promise and interest in natural history interpretation or education and have the potential to take an increased leadership role in club programs. Fraser, Owen and Bence are inspiring young naturalists who have committed countless volunteer hours to conservation in their neighbourhoods.
