Six organizations and individuals, including an educator, a high school student, and a visiting scholar, earned recognition for making Essex County's environment healthier and more sustainable from the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
The authority's board awarded them during its 50th Annual General Meeting on Thursday night.
Clayton Armstrong and Susan Iatonna won the Conservation Farm Award for their commitment to sustainable farming. The two planted hundreds of trees and installed solar panels to become a net zero operation.
The John R. Park Homestead Award went to Darlene Marshall. Marshall works to infuse the school curriculum at the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board with Indigenous histories, cultural practices, and perspectives.
Ben Margerison, a Leamington District Secondary School student, maintained the school's pollinator gardens and recruited volunteers for tree-planting events. He won the Youth Award.
The Dennis Chase Staff Award was given to Nancy Roy.
The authority gave its Environmental Achievement Award to Dr. John Hartig. He dedicated his career to improving the health of the Great Lakes and Detroit River Corridor through his work as a Detroit River Navigator and Refuse Manager at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. He is also a visiting scholar at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor.
The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority also earned recognition for its numerous environmental initiatives. Some include the integration of energy-efficient LED and low-maintenance lighting and a peregrine falcon box on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Before construction on the bridge began, the authority relocated 2,600 plants and 2,000 seeds from native prairie species. Through its Community Benefits Plan, it has also funded dozens of local projects to improve the environment.
"It's very inspiring to have the opportunity to celebrate so many organizations and individuals who have made an incredible impact on the environment," said ERCA Chair Jim Morrison.
Morrison was acclaimed chair of the board at Thursday's meeting.
