Friends of the Credit Conservation Awards

Eligible: Individuals and groups under age 29

Recognizes: Those under 29 years of age, striving to be future environmental champions.

Eligible: Individuals and groups

Recognizes: Those who generously give personal time to protect, connect and sustain our local natural environment.

Eligible: Individuals and groups

Recognizes: Those who connect communities with nature through education and outreach to promote environmental awareness, appreciation and action.

Recognizes: Those implementing restoration projects that increase natural cover and improve aquatic, terrestrial and wetland habitat on private lands.

Eligible: Corporations and businesses

Recognizes: Those corporations and businesses that take action and adopt new and creative approaches to plan for an environmentally sustainable future.

Eligible: Individuals, groups and public entities

Recognizes: Those public entities that implement leading edge green infrastructure in new development and existing urban areas.

Eligible: Individuals and groups

Recognizes: Recognizes and celebrates leadership and initiatives that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion; engaging and supporting people of diverse backgrounds and cultures to participate in environmental activities that support a sustainable future.

Eligible: Individuals, groups, corporations and businesses

Recognizes: Those with a sustained record of achievement and commitment. Their ongoing leadership and dedication will leave a legacy of inspiration.

NOTE: This most prestigious award is only given in extraordinary circumstances. It may not be given every year.

Nominees must meet eligibility requirements to be considered for an award. To be eligible to win an award, the following conditions must be met:

1. Project and/or activities must contribute to the protection, connection and sustainability of the Credit River Watershed.
2. Award recipients can be nominated in subsequent years, however any project can only be awarded once.
3. Self-nomination is allowed when submitted with a letter of support.
4. Award recipients cannot be an active CVC board member or staff, or have been acting as a board member or staff while undertaking the activities for which they are being recognized.
5. Award recipients must be in good-standing with CVC’s planning policies and regulations.
6. Projects and activities must align with CVC’s values that demonstrate inclusive and respectful practices and integrity through ethical decision making.

Nominations are vetted by CVC staff and reviewed by a sub-committee of the CVC Board of Directors. Awards will be given to an outstanding project, individuals or groups in each category that meet the following criteria:

1. Alignment with CVC’s vision of a thriving environment that protects, connects and sustains the Credit River Watershed.
2. Leadership and the ability to influence and inspire the community.
3. A lasting contribution to create environmentally resilient communities for future generations.
4. Values diverse perspectives, work experiences, lifestyles and cultures.

Human Nature Projects Canada received the award for empowering 120 youth volunteers through impactful clean-ups and parkland restoration. Their work is fostering future environmental leaders through partnerships with Credit Valley Conservation and the City of Brampton.

Donna Bedard for her devoted volunteerism with over 430 hours at The Riverwood Conservancy, engaging in environmental education with expertise in birds and gardening. Donna’s dedication fosters a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity among visitors.

Headwaters Streams Committee for significant contributions through critical conservation projects like the Mill Creek Weir removal, improving ecosystems and promoting watershed stewardship. Their work has become a model for volunteer-led environmental restoration.

Stephen and Karen Orme for educating new Canadian families on sustainable maple syrup harvesting and native tree tapping. Their commitment to hands-on environmental learning strengthens community ties to the land.

Toronto Bruce Trail Club for protecting over 50 kilometres of trail and building a 170-metre boardwalk, preserving habitats and enhancing trail accessibility. Their ongoing efforts safeguard Ontario’s natural heritage and encourage responsible recreation.

Acton District High School for significant stewardship actions involving over 500 students in tree planting and sustainability programs, diverting waste and educating through the annual Forest Festival. These student-led initiatives build leadership and environmental responsibility.

Alice Casselman for planting over 5,000 native trees and educating thousands through workshops, leaving a 35-year legacy of environmental leadership. Alice’s work has directly improved biodiversity and community engagement throughout the watershed.

Marc Johnson for developing the Junior Naturalist Club, engaging over 1,000 youth and producing outreach content like “Biology in Your Backyard,” inspiring province-wide environmental action. Marc’s programs foster curiosity and environmental literacy.

The Norval Outdoor School for helping educate over 2,000 students about local ecosystems through immersive programs focused on conservation and stewardship. These experiences empower youth to become informed environmental advocates.

Craigie Orchards for restoring 3.9 hectares of land with over 330 native plants and engaging local schools and residents in hands-on environmental stewardship. This work strengthens intergenerational learning and community-led restoration.

Jenny Rivkind for enhancing and restoring 160 metres of watercourse and planting 360 native plants, improving fish passage and ecosystem health. Jenny’s efforts demonstrate how landowners can significantly impact watershed resilience.

Melanie Budicky and David Beck for enhancing and naturalizing 28 acres with 150 native trees and wildlife habitats, inspiring community restoration efforts. Their stewardship is an inspiring example for private land conservation.

City of Brampton for significant stewardship actions, planting 12,000 native trees and restored two hectares of land through the SNAP program, engaging over 7,500 residents in climate action. Their leadership has transformed neighborhoods into green, climate-ready communities.

Halton District High School for building a 350 square metres rain garden and leading student-driven initiatives that integrate climate adaptation into education. These projects instill sustainability values across the entire school community.

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for the development of Ontario’s Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI-ECA), an innovative policy mandating low-impact development and transforming urban stormwater practices. This policy leadership ensures long-term protection of watersheds at a provincial scale.

Smart Blue Roof Team for developing Canada’s first CSA-compliant smart blue roof, capturing 60,000 litres of rainwater to prevent flooding and promote water conservation. This innovative model is being replicated across municipalities to support climate resilience.

Sustainable Orangeville and Town of Orangeville for planting over 8,000 trees, aspiring for 40 per cent canopy cover and being a leader in urban sustainability. Their approach balances ecological restoration with public education and civic engagement.

City of Mississauga – Environment Section for engaging over 2,380 residents in the inclusive Cooksville SNAP project, empowering diverse communities in environmental action. Their approach prioritizes collaboration and equitable access to green infrastructure.

Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable for the development of the Crane Gathering Space, honoring Indigenous knowledge and fostering environmental and cultural awareness. This initiative promotes reconciliation through place-based learning and stewardship in the Credit River Watershed.

Le Cercle de l’Amitié for creating a biodiverse community space, promoting cultural integration and ecological enhancement. This inclusive project blends environmental and social goals for lasting community impact.

The Riverwood Conservancy for significant contributions through restoring habitats, managing invasives and educating 19,000 visitors annually, leading watershed stewardship through ecological revitalization and inclusive community engagement. Their long-term vision ensures both environmental health and community connection to nature.