Local Conservation Heroes Awarded for their Inspirational Efforts

ONTARIO, June 4, 2018 – On June 2nd, Ontario Nature, a leading conservation organization, recognized the exceptional contributions to natural habitat protection made by First Nations, groups, individuals and companies. Their dedication inspires us all to continue to fight to protect nature in Ontario. The full list of award winners is as follows:

• AquaHacking received the Ontario Nature Corporate Award for their commitment to protecting Ontario’s lakes and rivers. AquaHacking provides funding and support for visible and practical solutions to pressing environmental issues.
• Debbe Crandall received the Steve Hounsell Greenway Award for her dedication to Ontario’s Greenbelt. Debbe has played an invaluable role as an advisor and organizer with the Moraine Partnership to save the Oak Ridges Moraine.
• Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations and Waabgon Gamig School received the J. R. Dymond Public Service Award for their efforts to protect the health of First Nations Lands by playing significant roles in conservation studies and projects in the Lake Simcoe area.
• Kim Saunders received the Richards Education Award for her work with the Young Naturalists’ Group of Saugeen Nature.
• Larry McDermott, a respected Elder from the Shabot Obaadjiwan Algonquin First Nation, received the W. W. H. Gunn Conservation Award for his leadership role in supporting Indigenous peoples and the lands on which they live.
• Mayor Steve Parish and the Town of Ajax received the Lee Symmes Municipal Award for being the forefront of Ontario’s Greenbelt project and have remained consistent leaders and advocates for the initiative.
• Phill Holder received the W. E. Saunders Natural History Award for dedicating over 35 years to nature conservation in Ontario.
• Scott Dobson received the Carl Nunn Media and Conservation Award for his documentary, Fix and Release, which exposes the perils that freshwater turtles face in Ontario.

The ceremony was part of an Ontario Nature event celebrating the non-profit’s 87^th anniversary.

For more information, visit: ontarionature.org/annualgathering

Media inquiries contact:

John Hassell,
Ontario Nature, Director of Communications and Engagement
johnh@ontarionature.org, 416-786-2171

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 155 member groups across Ontario. For more information, visit ontarionature.org.

-30-

(High resolution photograph available by clicking on embedded photo above)