Individual Conservationist Award
Paul Yungblut
As a retired high school science teacher, Paul has a keen interest in the natural environment, and has worked tirelessly to enhance habitat and protect water quality near his home in the Ferghana Condominium development.
Paul has worked with the condo association to ensure that the stormwater management ponds provide habitat and are functioning property. His efforts have resulted in the establishment of a Pond Committee, which includes representatives from 9 condo associations; Paul is the current chair.
His efforts have resulted in the enhancement of pollinator habitat near the pond using native plant species installed with the help of volunteers, the management of Phragmites, an invasive plant species near the stormwater ponds, and the installation of an aerator in the pond to prevent algae growth and enhance water quality and habitat. Paul has also reached out to Otonabee Conservation staff on many occasions for advice on best practices, and presents these to the Condo Association Directors to raise awareness about what residents can do to ensure that the stormwater pond is functioning optimally.
Environmental Stewardship Award
Peterborough Pollinators
Peterborough Pollinators is a citizen-led initiative born at Peterborough Dialogues in November 2015. They are a volunteer group that meets weekly to share and discover ways to create a pollinator-friendly communities.
The Peterborough Pollinators provide resources and support for area residents to understand the importance of pollinators and pollinator gardens. Peterborough Pollinators work in the community to cultivate a resilient environment for local pollinators, while recognizing our food security & ecosystems are dependent upon pollinator health.
Conservation Partnership Award
Riverview Park & Zoo
Each year, The Riverview Park & Zoo and Otonabee Conservation work together to deliver the Bondar Challenge, which is a program that engages youth participants to use the camera as a gateway to learning about our environment.
Over two days, youth learn about the natural environment through the art of photography. They learn digital photography skills and a variety of photography techniques. Participants then have the opportunity to apply their new skills as they explore scenic environments, including the Riverview Park and Zoo, Beavermead Park and Warsaw Caves Conservation Area.
In addition to the Bondar Challenge, The Riverview Park & Zoo have several partnerships with Otonabee Conservation including:
- The production and implementation of the Community of Conservation display, which highlights the programs of local organizations related to conservation and sustainability.
- Many habitat enhancement projects that have been implemented over the past several years including shoreline naturalization, invasive species management, and the Riverview Creek Restoration.
Business Award
TD Canada Trust
Since 2012, TD Canada Trust staff have worked with Otonabee Conservation to support TD Tree Day events throughout the watershed, resulting in the planting of 1,585 trees and shrubs, and enhancing sequestering 350,000 kg of carbon
Locations include:
- The Medical Drive Stormwater Management Facility
- Meade Creek/Little Lake Shoreline Naturalization at Beavermead Park
- Stormwater Pond Naturalization at Peterborough Regional Health Centre
- The Otonabee River Shoreline at Riverview Park an Zoo
- Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield
- The Station Trail in Millbrook
- Shoreline naturalization at the Millbrook Pond/Baxter Creek