Ontario Nature Conservation Award Recipients for 2014 © Noah Cole
Individuals and groups recognized for leadership in the protection of nature
Toronto, Ontario, May 25, 2015 – On May 23rd, Ontario Nature, a leading conservation organization, recognized the exceptional contributions to natural habitat protection made by first nations, individuals, governments and companies.
The award ceremony was part of Ontario Nature’s 84th Annual Gathering which took place at rare Charitable Research Reserve in Cambridge.
Here are the deserving conservation award recipients:
Grassy Narrows First Nation received the J.R. Dymond Public Service Award for its commitment to environmental justice and sustainability in the Wabigoon-English River watershed, northeast of Lake of the Woods.
Dr. Paul Keddy of Carleton Place received the W.E. Saunders Natural History Award for his dedication to the protection of Lanark County’s natural heritage.
Jerrold and Joan Asling of Hanover received the W.W.H. Gunn Conservation Award for 30 plus years of restoring the eastern bluebird population in Grey and Bruce counties.
Grant Linney of Dundas received the Richards Education Award for his proficiency in helping people understand the natural world and become enthusiastic advocates for nature.
Dennis Barry and Margaret Carney received the Steve Hounsell Greenway Award for their 30-year commitment to the protection and management of Thickson’s Woods in south Whitby.
Veteran Toronto Star journalist John Barber received the Carl Nunn Media and Conservation Award for his 2014 article series on the Greenbelt. Over the course of six stories, John detailed the Greenbelt’s origins, successes and challenges, as a lead-up to the review of Ontario’s Greenbelt Plan, which is currently underway.
City of Guelph received the Lee Symmes Municipal Award for its dedication to the protection of its natural heritage, and – more specifically – its Natural Heritage Strategy and policy directions, which were approved in June of last year.
Calstone Inc., a Scarborough-based, family-owned manufacturer of steel office furniture, received the Ontario Nature Corporate Award for its commitment to sustainable business practices. The company’s remanufacturing program guarantees that Calstone-manufactured products will never see a landfill site.
-30-
For more information and photos of the award recipients, and to arrange an interview, please contact:
Colleen Cirillo | Communications Coordinator, Ontario Nature
(416) 444-8419 ext. 238 | (647) 468-0582 (cell) | colleenc@ontarionature.org
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 150 member groups across the province. ontarionature.org.