Common loon © Peter Ferguson
Ontario, December 8, 2025 – Ontario Nature announced the recipients of its 2025 Conservation Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to nature protection by individuals, youth, organizations and municipalities across Ontario. These champions exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to protecting biodiversity and fostering environmental stewardship.
This year’s award winners are:
Ontario Nature Media and Conservation Award
In The Hills magazine for its influential environmental journalism and advocacy in Ontario’s Headwaters Region.
Ontario Nature Corporate Award
Toronto Nature Stewards for pioneering urban ecological restoration and community engagement in Toronto’s ravines.
Ontario Nature Youth Leadership Award
Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project (Taylor Denton, Paige Denton, Maggie Lentine, Ellen Lentine, Emilie Leclerqc) for linking a solar eclipse to Monarch conservation and raising $75,000 for habitat protection.
Lee Symmes Municipal Award
City of Markham for groundbreaking natural heritage and natural assets studies, integrating ecosystem services into municipal planning.
Steve Hounsell Greenway Award
Citizens for Marshland Conservation for securing a Provincially Significant Wetland designation for McLennan Marsh through grassroots advocacy and scientific rigor.
Ontario Nature Education Award
Sean McCammon for inspiring more than 100,000 students through innovative outdoor education and conservation programs in Waterloo Region.
Ontario Nature Natural History Award
Dr. Douglas C. Tozer for leading large-scale wetland monitoring programs and producing influential research shaping conservation policy.
Ontario Nature Public Service Award
Land Over Landings for five decades of advocacy culminating in the cancellation of an airport project and preservation of 18,600 acres of farmland and watershed.
Ontario Nature Conservation Leadership Award
Miptoon, Knowledge Holder from Neyaashiinigmiing, for advancing Indigenous-led conservation and mentoring future environmental leaders.
– 30 –
More Information
Media Inquiries
- Melina Damián | Ontario Nature, Communications Manager melinad@ontarionature.org | 416-854-4780
About
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing 9,500 members, 130,000 supporters and 150 member groups from across Ontario.
We acknowledge that there are 46 treaties and other agreements that cover the territory, now called Ontario, and our roles and responsibilities as Treaty partners. We recognize the inherent rights and responsibilities of Indigenous Nations, who have cared for and governed Turtle Island since time immemorial.