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Ontario Nature honours provincial conservation heroes

(Jun 19, 2007) Thunder Bay, Elliot Lake and Orillia residents, as well as a Windsor Hospital were recently recognized for leadership in conservation and nature protection. On June 11, 2007, Ontario Nature acknowledged the contributions of three individuals and one hospital for their efforts to protect nature and habitat through program development, education and leadership.

Several hundred naturalists from across Ontario gathered in Peterborough for a weekend of workshops, educational seminars and an event to honour environmental heroes from across Ontario. The 2006 Ontario Nature Conservation Awards were presented during at the Friday evening session of the 76th Annual General Meeting and Conference at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Robert L. Bowles of Orillia, Ontario, who, for over 30 years has dedicated himself to compiling and publishing data about the natural world. He has consistently proven his commitment to nature conservation by volunteering with numerous organizations and is a founding member of the Muskoka Field Naturalists. As such, the 2006 W.W.H. Gunn Conservation Award, which recognizes outstanding personal service for nature conservation, was given to Mr. Bowles.

Dr. Nicholas G. Escott of Thunder Bay, Ontario, who has undertaken bird research and advanced the knowledge of birding over the last 25 years. For his efforts, the W.E. Saunders Natural History Award was given to him for achieving a natural history or a natural science research goal. Dr. Myra McCormick was there on behalf of Dr. Nicholas Escott.

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Terry Carr of Elliot Lake, Ontario, who has shared his love of nature with members of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists and Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary visitors since becoming President in 1999. His passion for sharing his knowledge and teaching others about nature and conservation has earned him the Richards Education Award. The award recognizes success in helping people to understand and become supporters of nature and conservation throughout the community or province.

Windsor Regional Hospital, which has strived to become a green hospital by improving its recycling rates, reducing mercury use and by hosting Greening Health Care Days in March, 2007. As a provincial leader in providing green healthcare through the use of unique programs, the 2006 Ontario Nature Corporate Award was given to Windsor Regional Hospital.

Rosemary Speirs, President of Ontario Nature, was on hand to present the awards. She said this year's selection process proved particularly difficult. "Determining the winners was a challenge because the quality of nominees. Each has done some excellent and important work in the field of nature conservation. I congratulate the winners and thank the hundreds of others nominees for the contribution they make each day as they continue to protect and conserve nature in Ontario."


by Lesley Marshall, Director of Development and Communications, Ontario Nature.



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