Award Winning Work in the Credit River Watershed
This week in our Conservation Matters: Award-Winning Work in the Credit River Watershed series, we’re celebrating work that honours the outstanding contributions of landowners and young leaders. From restoring natural cover and habitat on private lands to inspiring action as leaders under 29, these individuals are driving positive environmental change and shaping a greener future.
Landowner Stewardship
We work closely with private landowners in the watershed to implement backyard projects and large-scale restoration on farms and rural lands. These are essential partnerships to help protect the health and resilience of the local environment.
The Landowner Stewardship award recognizes individuals and organizations restoring natural cover and improving aquatic, terrestrial and wetland habitat on private lands.
Urban Land Restoration
Craigie Orchards in Mississauga was honoured for restoring four hectares of land with trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Their restoration efforts engaged local schools and residents in hands-on environmental stewardship, strengthening intergenerational learning and community-led restoration work.
Healthy Land and Water
Jenny Rivkind was recognized for her commitment to enhance and restore 160 metres of watercourse on her property by removing a dam and planting 360 native trees and shrubs. Her work improved fish passage and ecosystem health, demonstrating how landowners can significantly impact watershed resilience.
Bringing Nature to Private Lands
Melanie Budicky and David Beck were honoured for their leadership in naturalizing their 28-acre property, planting native trees and installing bird and bat boxes. Their efforts have inspired others to restore woodlands and support local wildlife in the watershed.
Youth Achievement
The Youth Achievement award is presented to individuals or groups under 29 years of age, striving to be future environmental champions. These recipients have an important role, and their actions have the power to transform our communities for a climate-resilient future.
Youth Leadership in Action
Human Nature Projects Canada received the Youth Achievement Award for empowering youth volunteers to get involved in environmental stewardship activities, including clean-ups and parkland restoration. Through their partnerships with CVC and the City of Brampton, their work is fostering future environmental leaders and inspiring youth to take action for a greener future.
Thanks to all award recipients for their leadership and commitment to stewardship in the watershed. Read more about our Conservation Matters series next week with our Environmental Awareness recipients.
To learn more about our Conservation Awards program or to nominate someone for this year’s awards, visit cvc.ca/ConservationAwards.