Common loon © Missy Mandel
About
Community involvement defines Ontario Nature’s character and approach. Along with our Nature Network groups and individual members, Ontario Nature is a force for conservation across the province. Together, we are building a natural legacy for future generations.
Ontario Nature’s Conservation Awards recognize excellence by honouring the work of individuals, groups, government agencies and corporations to protect nature in Ontario. Read below for the awards criteria, the nomination procedure, and which outlines the awards criteria, explains the nomination procedure and highlights important dates.
Monarch butterfly © James Wheeler
Nominate an Environmental Champion
We will recognize the award winners at Ontario Nature’s Member Holiday Party in November 2026. We will also feature the winners in the spring issue of our award-winning ON Nature magazine.
- Read the Conservation Awards flyer with category descriptions and submission guidelines.
- Complete the online Conservation Award Nomination Form.
Ontario Nature is committed to equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility.
Common loons © Mark Peck
Nomination Procedure
- Nominations must be submitted on an official electronic form.
- Nominees must be living.
- Nominees must be nominated by at least one current Ontario Nature member or one Nature Network member group. Nominees do not have to be Ontario Nature members.
- Nominees should be at arm’s length to the nominator (no family relationship, no direct report, financial or business ties).
- A person may be nominated for more than one award. However, each nomination must be submitted on a separate form and tailored to the criteria for the award.
Lake Superior © David P. Lewis/Shutterstock
Nomination Procedure Continued
- Nominators can provide supporting material with their submission. Supporting material should not exceed five pages but may include references or electronic links to relevant items such as papers, reports, websites or other publications.
- Nominations must be received by June 30, 2026.
- Awards are given at the discretion of the Awards Committee. Ontario Nature is committed to diversity, equity and inclusivity, and integrates those principles into the decision-making framework.
Eastern prairie-fringed orchid © Holly Bickerton
Key Dates
- Nominations open: March 1, 2026
- Nominations deadline: June 30, 2026
- Winners notified: September 30, 2026
- Awards ceremony: Member Holiday Party, November 2026
- Awards published: ON Nature magazine, Spring 2027
Lake Couchiching sunrise © Brendan Toews
Background
The Awards Committee consists of members of the Ontario Nature Board of Directors.
Read about past award winners.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Martell at lisam@ontarionature.org.
Pinery Provincial Park © Helena Jacoba