NEWS RELEASE
CREDIT VALLEY CONSERVATION
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Last night, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted a special Friends of the Credit event to celebrate and connect with environmental champions.
The event took place at Cambium Farm in Caledon and brought together more than 100 like-minded people who care deeply for the local environment. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of CVC's Conservation Awards and a tribute to CVCF donors, acknowledging their vital support for conservation work taking place in the Credit River watershed.
"On behalf of the CVC Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate our award recipients for their outstanding work and thank our supporters for their dedication to the environment," said Ann Lawlor, CVC Vice Chair and Mayor for Halton Hills. "Your work to protect and enhance the Credit River watershed is inspiring all of us to take action in our communities to ensure a healthy environment for future generations."
CVC recognized conservation efforts in eight award categories including: Youth Achievement, Outstanding Volunteer, Environmental Awareness, Landowner Stewardship, Corporate Leadership, Green Cities, Watershed Excellence and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership. A total of 20 awards were issued at this year's ceremony honouring outstanding work happening throughout communities in the watershed.
Dr. William McIlveen received the Watershed Excellence award, CVC's most prestigious conservation award, for 37 years of dedicated environmental leadership and data collection. William has shared his passion for learning and the environment through knowledge transfer on a variety of subjects, including clams, microbes, climate change and energy cycling in vernal pools.
He has also organized projects and surveys in Georgetown and Halton Hills that have continued since 2001. In 2015, William submitted over 111,900 observation records to CVC of species in the Credit River watershed. He is also the author of The Natural History of Rattray Marsh, a compendium of the flora, fauna and physical characteristics of Rattray Marsh.
Don Trant received the Outstanding Volunteer award for his significant volunteer hours and contributions as Chair of Trees for Halton Hills. Don has sought funding, managed board administration and organized events that have led to thousands of new trees being planted in the Credit River watershed.
Julie Power received the Outstanding Volunteer award for her significant contributions as an avid volunteer in CVC's Butterfly Blitz program. She contributed almost 1,400 butterfly sightings over five years, making her the top observer of almost 600 citizen scientists.
Her data collection contributed to a watershed-wide inventory of butterflies collected by CVC. Julie has also volunteered with Halton-North Peel Naturalists Club, the Halton Butterflyway, the Halton Seed Library, Georgetown Horticultural Society and supports CVC's Hungry Hollow SNAP program.
Supporters of the CVCF were also represented at the event. In 2023, 110 donors, funders and grantors donated to CVCF, contributing over $1,850,000 to support the critical environmental projects carried out by CVC. Funds have supported the development of the Credit Valley Trail, Crane Gathering Space, 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 CVCF Board of Directors. "They are an integral part of helping CVC accomplish its critical environment work. Their steadfast commitment to conservation and generous support have been instrumental in driving positive change in the Credit River watershed."
This year's Friends of the Credit Conservation Award winners include:
Youth Award
Aaran Thangavadivel
Tanjot Grewal
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Don Trant
Julie Power
Heather Shaw
Environmental Awareness Award
Prabhjot Kainth
Gary Hall
Irene Mota
Landowner Stewardship Award
Jo-Anne Van Huisseling
Brad Teeter
Anthony and Cristina Kerstens
Steven and Eva Hill
Corporate Leadership Award
Canon Canada
Ardent Mills
Green Cities
City of Brampton
Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board
City of Mississauga
DEI Leadership Award
Prabhjot Kainth
Watershed Excellence Award
Dr. Pat Kelly
Dr. Williams McIlveen
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