Last night, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted a special Friends of the Credit event to celebrate and connect with environmental champions. The event took place at Cambium Farm in Caledon and brought together over 120 like-minded people who care deeply for the local environment. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of CVC’s Conservation Awards and a tribute to CVCF donors, acknowledging their vital support for conservation work taking place in the Credit River Watershed.
“On behalf of the CVC Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate our award recipients for their outstanding work and thank our supporters for their dedication to the environment,” said Michael Palleschi, CVC Chair and Regional Councillor Wards 2 and 6, City of Brampton. “Collectively, your efforts have made a significant impact on the environment. This work is inspiring all of us to take action in our communities to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.”
CVC recognized conservation efforts with twenty-one award recipients in seven categories, including: Youth Achievement, Outstanding Volunteer, Environmental Awareness, Landowner Stewardship, Green Cities, DIversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership and Watershed Excellence.
Supporters of the CVCF were well-represented at the event, highlighting the strong community behind the foundation’s mission. In 2024, 290 donors, funders, grantors and community partners contributed over $1.2 million to support vital environmental projects carried out by CVC. These contributions have played a crucial role in advancing key projects, including the development of the Credit Valley Trail, land securement, expanding youth engagement and volunteer programs, and restoring and protecting ecologically significant lands.
“We’re truly grateful to celebrate and thank our incredible supporters tonight,” said Ed Arundell, Chair of the CVCF Board of Directors. “Your unwavering support and generous contributions help us achieve our goals. They make a true difference. They help CVC protect and enhance our watershed and build a more resilient and vibrant future for our rapidly growing region. On behalf of the entire board, I extend our heartfelt thanks to you.”
This year’s Friends of the Credit Conservation Award winners include:
Youth Award
Human Nature Projects Canada
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Donna Bedard
Headwaters Streams Committee
Stephen and Karen Orme
Toronto Bruce Trail Club
Environmental Awareness Award
Acton District High School
Alice Casselman
Marc Johnson
The Norval Outdoor School
Landowner Stewardship Award
Craigie Orchards
Jenny Rivkind
Melanie Budicky and David Beck
Green Cities
City of Brampton
Halton District High School
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
Smart Blue Roof Team
Sustainable Orangeville and Town of Orangeville
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award
City of Mississauga – Environment Section
Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable
Le Cercle de l’Amitié
Watershed Excellence Award
The Riverwood Conservancy
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Caption: Conservation Award recipients and board members from CVC and CVCF come together at the Friends of the Credit event
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About the Conservation Awards Program
The Conservation Awards program began in 1896. Awards are presented by CVC’s Board of Directors to honour those who demonstrate the organization’s core values of leadership, collaboration, innovation and integrity through environmental practices. Since the program began, CVC has recognied hundreds of community leaders for work that connects people to nature, knowledge to action and inspires a deep appreciation for the local environment.
About Credit Valley Conservation (CVC)
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains (”sheds”) into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.
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Media Contact
Jamie Williams
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Credit Valley Conservation
905-431-5772
EMAIL