Those who dedicate their time and efforts to local environmental stewardship have been recognized with awards from Credit Valley Conservation (CVC).
The Friends of the Credit event was held Thursday evening at Cambium Farm in Caledon, which brought together 120 like-minded people who care for the local environment.
Highlights of the evening included presentation of Credit Valley Conservation awards and a tribute to CVC Foundation donors supporting the conservation work taking place in the Credit River Watershed.
James Crawford received an Outstanding Volunteer award for his efforts as chair of Willow Park Ecology Centre, where he enables the organization to continue providing its education services. He supports and enhances the organization’s vision and mission through environmental education and community engagement, says a press release from CVC.
Pam Sheldon and Sean James received the Environmental Awareness award for their dedication to leading environmental action at St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church in Acton. They volunteered their time to help the church adopt an action plan that included retrofitting the property with sustainable landscaping through the Greening for God committee. This work helped improve the biodiversity and health of the property.
Trees of Halton Hills received the Outstanding Volunteer award for their commitment to promoting tree care and planting in Halton Hills. They created a native tree and shrub arboretum at Joseph Gibbons Park in Georgetown and launched the 65,000 Tree Challenge, which dedicates one tree for each resident of Halton Hills.
R&M Construction received the Corporate Leadership award for their commitment to CVC’s environmental stewardship. They have undertaken restoration projects, including construction of Terra Cotta Conservation Area’s award-winning wetland restoration, Muskrat wetland restoration and Wolf Lake Pond bypass project. They also helped transform Belfountain Conservation Area through last year’s restoration project and Upper Credit Conservation Area’s bridge replacement and channel restoration.
Halton Region received the Green Cities award for its environment-first approach to land use planning and development of a regional natural heritage system. The approach now safeguards approximately 50 per cent of the entire region. The goal of the system is to ensure biological and ecological functions within the region will be preserved and enhanced for future generations.
This was the first official donor tribute since 2019. Between 2019 and 2022 over 80 donors, funders and grantors donated to the CVC Foundation, contributing over $5 million in support of environmental projects carried out by CVC. Funds have helped support the development of the Credit Valley Trail, youth engagement and volunteer opportunities, and helped restore and protect critical land in the watershed.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our supporters this evening,” said Ed Arundell, chair of the CVC Foundation board of directors. “They are an integral part of helping CVC accomplish its critical environment work, and we are especially grateful for the continued support during the tough years of the pandemic. Our partners are vital in helping improve the health and well-being of residents and communities in the watershed."
Here's a full list of award winners:
Youth Achievement
Frontline Program
Mississauga Youth Seed Library
Outstanding Volunteer
David Reid
James Crawford
Trees for Halton Hills
Krystyna Tracewicz
Environmental Awareness
Mary Kate Whibbs
Janette Roy
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Derek Stone
Pam Sheldon and Sean James
Landowner Stewardship
Gary and Debbie Mountain
Sohail and Birha Farooqi
Corporate Leadership
Keuhne+Nagel
GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co.
R&M Construction
Green Cities
Region of Peel
Halton Region
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Punjabi Community Health Services
Watershed Excellence
Karen Ras