NVCA honours conservation champions

News release from NVCA December 3, 2012

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority presented Conservation Champion awards to several outstanding contributors to the health of the NVCA watershed.

The awards were presented at the NVCA’s annual Evening of Thanks on November 21, which is held in recognition of the important contributions of members of the public, partners, groups and municipalities to the success of NVCA programs over the preceding year.

Springwater Mayor Linda Collins presented an award for Ron Wagner in recognition of his donation of 99 acres of land in the Township of Springwater. The property will be managed by the NVCA as conservation land using managed forest principles to preserve the valuable and varied natural heritage of the property. Ron’s son, Mark Wagner, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

Fred Somerville and Gini Oksanen of Somerville Nurseries received an award for their long-time support of the NVCA’s stewardship programs, including the donation of a significant number of live trees for tree planting, as well as fresh cut trees for stream rehabilitation projects.

Bruce and Ingrid Keeling accepted an award on behalf of the Huronia Woodland Owners’ Association for the group’s role in helping to distribute and plant thousands of maple trees throughout Simcoe County. The award was presented by Harry Hughes, Mayor of Oro-Medonte, and Councillor John Crawford. Mr. Crawford also accepted an Honourary Mention Award on behalf of the Severn Sound Environmental Association for their tree seedling distribution program.

Gleannan Perrett, a former Tiffin Centre summer student and graduate of Centre Dufferin District High School, was awarded the NVCA’s Young Conservation Champion Award. The plaque was presented by Environmental Education Assistant, Naomi Saunders. Gleannan was recognized for her dedication to environmental awareness and to supporting environmental education for youth.

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is a public agency dedicated to the preservation of a healthy environment through specialized programs to protect, conserve and enhance our water, wetlands, forests and lands. The Tiffin Centre is the site of the NVCA’s Administration Centre and home to their environmental outdoor education program.