2015 Environmental Excellence Award – Stewardship
Presented to Peterborough Field Naturalists
For 75 years, the Peterborough Field Naturalists have exemplified excellence in stewardship. The club provides a variety of educational outings for members; the Christmas Bird Count – which has been an annual program since 1952; the annual Butterfly Count – undertaken over the past 17 years; members have provided input to city and rural environmental and planning issues; and, continue to be actively involved in a partnership with Otonabee Conservation for the ongoing care of the Miller Creek Wildlife Area.
Environmental Excellence Award – Partnership
Presented to Harold Nelson, Manager – Public Works, Township of Douro-Dummer
Harold Nelson has provided expert advice and strong support to Otonabee Conservation in the continuing development of the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground. His knowledge of the transportation and road building industry was valuable to the Authority in upgrading the interior roads system at the Warsaw Caves area. The improvements enhanced public safety and the visitor experience at this award-winning tourist destination.
Environmental Excellence Award – Business
Presented to Peterborough Regional Health Centre
A damp, cold, rainy October day did nothing to deter a committed group of employees of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre from planting more than 300 trees, shrubs and wildflowers – it was all part of a multi-phased project to develop a “Wellness Trail” that will link several natural areas throughout the PRHC property. The planting plan, designed by Otonabee Conservation, also addresses habitat, and erosion prevention, particularly on the slope between the helipad and the public sidewalk.
For years to come, the Wellness Trail will benefit patients on their road to recovery and Otonabee Conservation is extremely pleased to be a part of this special program.
Environmental Excellence Award – Conservationist
Presented to Drew Monkman
During his rewarding career of 33 years as a teacher, Drew incorporated environmental education into all facets of his teaching. His main goal, however, was to help students develop a basic literacy in the workings of the natural world — everything from pollination in dandelions to the life cycle of the monarch — as well as a seasons-based awareness of our local flora and fauna.
His guiding principle is simply: “we will conserve only what we love and love only what we know.” In other words, if you know little or nothing about the many creatures that inhabit a given habitat — and feel nothing for them — you probably won’t really care if the habitat or the species is at risk.
Drew is the author of three books, Nature’s Years, Nature’s Year in the Kawarthas and the Big Book of Nature Activities, co-authored with Jacob Rodenburg.