Landowner Stewardship Award
This week in our Conservation Matters: Award-Winning Work in the Credit River Watershed series, we’re highlighting our Landowner Stewardship award winners. This award is issued to those implementing restoration projects that increase natural cover and improve aquatic, terrestrial and wetland habitat on private lands.
If you know someone doing amazing things for the environment, be sure to nominate them for this year’s Conservation Awards program. Nominations are open!
Congratulations to Jo-Anne Van Huisseling
Jo-Anne Van worked with CVC to remove a human-made weir, improving water quality and reconnecting fish habitats in Mill Creek in Orangeville. Jo-Anne also completed a Landowner Action Plan, identifying other areas on her property that can be restored and enhanced.
Congratulations to Brad Teeter
Brad restored the cultural meadow on his property, re-establishing native grasses and wildflowers. The grassland now provides better habitat for native pollinators, like the at-risk monarch butterfly and grassland birds.
Congratulations to Anthony and Cristina Kerstens
Anthony and Cristina transformed their three-hectare property that was once dominated by large lawns and old fields. Now, over 1,200 trees and shrubs are planted throughout previously open areas. The Kerstens’ have also developed an action plan for their property through CVC’s Rural Landowner Outreach Program, battled invasive plants to maintain biodiversity, and replaced their failing septic system to protect ground water.
Congratulations to Steven and Eva Hill
Steven and Eva transformed over three hectares of their property to support wildlife and fight climate change. To date, they have planted over 5,000 trees, established a large native meadow and they were one of the first farms in Peel Region to take part in the ALUS Program. Two generations of the Hill family have managed the Hill farm since 2017.
These landowners’ actions are an integral part of protecting the health of the natural environment. Their commitment to improve their properties is helping the long-term sustainability of the Credit River Watershed.
Stay tuned for next week when we highlight our Corporate Leadership and Green Cities award winners. To learn more about our Conservation Awards program or to nominate someone for this year’s awards, visit cvc.ca/ConservationAwards.