Read our Six-Part Weekly Series Highlighting the 2023 Conservation Award Recipients
Part Two: Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners
In our second week of the Conservation Matters Series, where we highlight award-winning work in the Credit River Watershed, we are celebrating our Outstanding Volunteer Award recipients. This award is issued to those who generously give personal time to protect, connect and sustain our local natural environment.
First Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient
Our first award recipient is James Crawford, Chair of Willow Park Ecology Centre (WPEC), recognized for his efforts in supporting and enhancing the WPEC’s vision and mission through environmental education and community engagement. James’ leadership at WPEC enables the organization to provide its award-winning education services.
WPEC Centre connects families and students to nature through hands-on learning and provides vital Hungry Hollow ecosystems along the Credit River in Halton Hills through community stewardship. James has committed significant personal time and skills to strategically guide the organization as it strives to continue its successful program offerings.
Second Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient
Our second recipient is David Reid, recognized for his dedication to conservation efforts within the Credit River Watershed. With 117 hours of conservation and program work at The Riverwood Conservancy, David is a leader and role model for many volunteers. He is an experienced and valuable resource for new volunteers participating in programming at the conservancy.
David is dedicated to improving the environment and works year-round to connect people to the land, protect our ecosystem and make a difference locally. He has committed a significant amount of his personal time to support programming at The Riverwood Conservancy.
Third Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient
Our third recipient is the organization Trees for Halton Hills for their commitment to promoting tree care and plantings in Halton Hills. They created a native tree and shrub arboretum at Joseph Gibbons Park in Georgetown, featuring 22 species of native trees with signs educating residents about them. Trees for Halton Hills aim to inspire residents to plant trees on their own property.
They also launched the 65,000 tree challenge, which dedicates one tree for each resident of Halton Hills. In launching the challenge, Trees for Halton Hills hopes to educate the public and inspire action because planting trees can help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. They also hope to foster a sense of community volunteerism and increase public awareness about how trees can provide shelter and food for local wildlife. Don Trant accepted the award on behalf of Trees for Halton Hills.
Final Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient
Our final recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award is Krystyna Tracewicz for her dedication to maintain the rain garden at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Brampton. She meticulously cares for the space while the school administration and students were on summer vacation, ensuring the health and quality of the rain garden.
Krystyna’s hard work and maintenance of the space allows the school to have a meaningful outdoor educational classroom space for teachers and students to share. Krystyna’s commitment to the rain garden goes above and beyond her regular duties and her is setting a positive example for students at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School.
Check back next week for our third installment of this series, highlighting our Environmental Awareness Award winners.
Nominations Now Open!
We are accepting nominations for this year’s conservation awards. Submission deadline is Feb 20, 2024. Learn more about Our Conservation Awards program or nominate someone today!