Ontario Nature Conservation Awards

2005 Conservation Award recipients

J.R. Dymond Public Service Award winner Jean Williams with Ontario Nature Past President Steve Hounsell (right). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

J. R. Dymond Public Service Award
Jean Williams

Ontario Nature recognized Jean Williams of Mississauga with the J.R. Dymond Public Service Award. Jean Williams received this award for her depth of commitment to conservation of the Rattray Marsh and her significant role in educating local schools and community groups on numerous conservation issues. This award recognizes distinguished public service that has resulted in an exceptional environmental achievement.

Councillor Nancy Stewart from theTown of Caledon, Lee Symmes Municipal Award recipient with Ric Symmes (left). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

Lee Symmes Municipal Award
Town of Caledon

Ontario Nature awarded the Town of Caledon the Lee Symmes Municipal Award. This conservation award recognizes a town, city, municipality or region that exhibits community leadership and exceptional achievement in planning or implementing programs that protect and regenerate the natural environment within a community. The Town of Caledon has been a leader in progressive community and countryside planning, emerging in the spotlight as a leader in undertaking major environmental initiatives.

Ontario Nature Achievement Award winner John Harvey with Ontario Nature Past President Steve Hounsell (right). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

Ontario Nature Achievement Award
John Harvey

Ontario Nature recognized John Harvey, of Woodstock, Ontario with the Ontario Nature Achievement Award. The Ontario Nature Achievement Award recognizes a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the activities of Ontario Nature. As a member of the Woodstock Field Naturalists since 1956, John Harvey inspired and mentored many. He worked tirelessly on a number of initiatives such as wildlife and plant inventories, extensive contributions to the Ontario Bird Breeding Atlas, and had an inspiring role on the Nature Reserve committee.

W. W. H. Gunn Conservation Award winners David and Winifred Wake with Ontario Nature Past President Steve Hounsell (left). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

W. W. H. Gunn Conservation Award
David and Winifred Wake

Ontario Nature recognized David and Winifred Wake, of London, Ontario with the W.W. H. Gunn Conservation Award. The W.W. H. Gunn Conservation Award recognizes outstanding personal service and strong commitment to nature conservation over a number of years. David and Winifred co-edited the Mcllwraith Field Naturalists’ quarterly publication The Cardinal for 16 years. Besides keeping Mcllwraith members and local naturalists abreast of events, the Wakes have created a forum for environmental activism, as evidenced in their work to preserve Westminster Ponds as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. The 64 issues of The Cardinal which they edited constitute a significant archive of the natural history of the London area.

W.E. Saunders Natural History Award winner Erwin Meissner with Ontario Nature Past President Steve Hounsell (right). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

W. E. Saunders Natural History Award
Erwin Meissner

Ontario Nature recognized Erwin Meissner, of Massey, Ontario with the W.E. Saunders Natural History Award. The W.E. Saunders Natural History Award recognizes the achievement of a significant goal related to an aspect of natural history or natural science research. Meissner’s enthusiasm for nature led to his founding new naturalists clubs in these northern communities. He is also extensively involved in bird monitoring. Erwin Meissner’s commitment to the environment and natural history work in the communities of Elliot Lake and Massey is a source of inspiration to all generations.

Richards Education Award winner Frank Glew with Ontario Nature Past President Steve Hounsell (right). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

Richards Education Award
Frank Glew

Ontario Nature recognized Dr. Frank Glew, of Kitchener, Ontario with the Richards Education Award. The Richards Education Award recognizes those who are successful in helping people understand the natural world and become enthusiastic supporters of conservation and environmental protection. Frank Glew has made, and continues to make a very significant contribution in the area of environmental education. His many initiatives over 3 and a half decades have helped youth and adults understand the intricacies of nature and become supporters of conservation and environmental protection. He has fundamentally changed environmental education by integrating natural heritage and conservation values into the curriculum. His teaching has resulted in teachers and students employing a caring and nurturing attitude towards nature, as opposed to one more traditional approach of dominance over nature. Respect for all life and habitats became a cornerstone of his teaching.

Randy Lucenti of the Orillia Packet & Times, winner of the Carl Nunn Media and Conservation Award, with Ontario Nature Past President Steve Hounsell (right). Photo by Vanessa Denov/Ontario Nature Collection

Carl Nunn Media and Conservation Award
Packet & Times (Orillia)

Ontario Nature recognized Orillia Packet and Times with the Carl Nunn Media and Conservation Award. The Orillia Packet and Times has shown their continued support for conservation, specifically for the conservation and protection of ecologically sensitive lands. They have shown media excellence by making their readership aware of important conservation issues which impact the daily life of their local communities. It is because of the Packet and Times support that area conservationists and naturalists clubs are able to continue their work by encouraging the public to become involved in environmental causes and promoting local action on a global issues.