Sydenham Field Naturalists (SFN) celebrated the conservation efforts of Roberta and Mark Buchanan by presenting them with the 2023 "Friend of Nature" award.
The honourees were recognized for protecting wetlands, woodlands, and meadows on their 99 acre farm. Roberta and Mark have also headed environmental initiatives such as invasive species control, wetland construction, restoring a tallgrass prairie, and planting trees to connect two blocks of woodland.
"All of this illustrates their dedication to protecting the natural environment of the landscape they call home," said a statement from the SFN.
Roberta also received the Lambton Wildlife "Meritorious Service" award last year. She has spent 30 years assisting the organization with fundraising efforts and has served as their Mandaumin Woods Manager since 2013.
Having a career in education, Roberta enjoys sharing and teaching people about nature. Mark, on the other hand, is an established photographer.
The couple has a demonstrated passion for nature, known to spend time camping, bird watching, enjoying sunsets and sunrises, and walking trails on the farm together.
"They are a driving force for protecting nature and express that through their efforts as a team," the SFN wrote. "Roberta points out a special spring wildflower, a flock of snow buntings, or a giant swallowtail so Mark can capture it with his amazing photography skills."
The Buchanans were honoured at the SFN annual banquet on April 1.
