Ontario Nature Conservation Award Recipients for 2014

The Ontario Nature Conservation Awards recognize excellence by honouring individuals, groups, government agencies and corporations who have worked to protect nature in Ontario.

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. Accepted by Otto Peter, President of Thickson’s Woods Land Trust.

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.

Ontario Nature is a charity that has been protecting wild species and wild spaces through education, conservation and public engagement since 1931. We are there when nature needs us most.