Couchiching Conservancy nominated for prestigious national award

NEWS RELEASE from THE COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY
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The Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada’s national museum of natural history and natural sciences, has announced 22 finalists for its 2019 Nature Inspiration Awards.

The achievements of the finalists and the announcement of the winners will be celebrated Nov. 13 at a gala hosted by the museum.

This is the sixth year for these national awards that celebrate projects by individuals, groups and organizations whose leadership and innovation connect Canadians with the natural world.

The Couchiching Conservancy was nominated by Nancy Ironside, Joan Berndt and Carol Deimling, and are now finalists along with four other non-profit small to medium-sized organizations.

“To be listed as a finalist for the Museum of Nature ‘Nature Inspiration Awards 2019’ is a validation of all the work that has been done by staff, volunteers, members and supporters of the Couchiching Conservancy over the last 25 years,” says Jamie Ross, President of the Board of Directors.

“It is also a great honour. We are inspired by this recognition of our efforts to protect important habitats. Thank you to the members who nominated the Conservancy.”

The finalists’ projects address topics such as environmental education, sustainable food production and food rescue, climate change awareness, and biodiversity conservation.

The awards honour youth who advocate for environmental responsibility and sustainable living, as well as adults who are scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and writers.

Businesses and not-for-profits organizations show leadership in sustainable energy practices and operations, alternative energy production, biodiversity stewardship, community outreach, food security and more.

The shortlist for the 2019 awards comprises finalists in six categories: Youth (aged 17 and younger), Individuals (aged 18 and up), Not-for-Profits (small to medium), Not-for-Profits (large), Businesses (small to medium), and Businesses (large).

“As in past years, this year’s finalists inspire us through their actions. They show the diverse ways in which people and organizations can lead the way to support a sustainable future,” says Meg Beckel, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature and Chair/ex-officio member of the selection jury.

“We are pleased to recognize their efforts, and we look forward to sharing their achievements through these national awards.”

The Nature Inspiration Awards are supported by media partners (The Globe and Mail and The Walrus) and by Ontario Power Generation, which sponsors the Youth category.

The other organizations nominated in the Not-For-Profit category (small/medium organization) are:

Quebec Mining Association, sustainable mining program, Quebec City, Quebec;
Ecoschools Canada, environmental learning programs, Toronto, Ontario;
The Couchiching Conservancy, land stewardship, Orillia;
Trans Canada Trail, national trail network, Montreal, Quebec and
Zooshare Biogas Cooperative, Toronto, Ontario
A full list of the finalists is available on the Canadian Museum of Nature website, nature.ca Winners for each category receive $5,000 that they can designate to a beneficial program of their choice.

The Nature Inspiration Awards are produced by the Canadian Museum of Nature. Full details at nature.ca/awards.

ABOUT THE COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY:
The Couchiching Conservancy: The Couchiching Conservancy is one of the leading regional land trusts in Ontario. A non-government, charitable organization, it has helped protect over 13,000 acres of important natural habitat in the Lake Couchiching region since 1993. Wherever possible, the lands are accessible to the public for the responsible enjoyment of nature. Learn more at www.couchichingconserv.ca.

ABOUT THE CANDIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE:
Saving the world through evidence, knowledge and inspiration! The Canadian Museum of Nature The museum provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature’s past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a collection of 14.6 million specimens and artifacts, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, nature.ca.