Ontario Nature 2015 Conservation Award recipients © Noah Cole
Individuals and groups recognized for leadership at Ontario Nature’s 85th anniversary
ONTARIO, June 6, 2016 – On June 3rd, Ontario Nature celebrated the dedication of individuals, organizations and cities for their conservation efforts across Ontario. These conservation heroes fought to preserve Ontario’s natural beauty as they went above and beyond to protect wild species and wild spaces. Held at the Evergreen Resort in South Bruce Peninsula, the award ceremony was part of a weekend event celebrating Ontario Nature’s 85th anniversary.
The conservation award recipients included:
Alan Macnaughton received the Ontario Nature Achievement Award for his commitment to citizen science initiatives through the creation of an interactive mapping application. His mapping application is used by various companies and organizations to help inform research efforts, consultation work, environmental assessments and survey efforts.
Bud Rowe, former president of the Kingston Field Naturalists, received the W.E. Saunders Natural History Award for his outstanding contributions to protect natural areas in eastern Ontario.
Scott Gillingwater received the W.W.H. Gunn Conservation Award for his dedication to protecting at-risk species and helping to ensure common species remain common.
Jennifer Howard received the Richards Education Award for her lifelong commitment to conservation. She spent countless hours volunteering for causes related to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, wildlife education programs and conservation programs.
City of London received the Lee Symmes Municipal Award for its commitment and dedication to protecting Environmentally Significant Areas.
Freeman Boyd received the Ian Shenstone Fraser Memorial Award for his contribution to naturalists clubs across Ontario and for the creation of the Young Naturalists Club.
Simon de Boer received the Steve Hounsell Greenway Award for his contributions to the Greenway Grey-Bruce project. Simon’s efforts were instrumental to the program’s success as he helped bridge the gap between conservationists and farmers.
Friends of the Rouge Watershed received the J.R. Dymond Public Service Award for its efforts related to the Rouge National Urban Park, green-space promotion, education as well as its overall commitment to improve water quality and restore habitat in the Rouge River Watershed and Toronto’s Great Lakes Water Quality Area of Concern.
SongbirdSOS Productions received the Carl Nunn Media and Conservation Award for The Messenger. The award-winning documentary raised awareness of the mass depletion of songbird populations around the world.
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For more information, photos or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- John Hassell | Director of Communications and Engagement, Ontario Nature
Tel: 416-444-8419 ext. 269 | Cell: 416-786-2171 | johnh@ontarionature.org