The Essex Region Conservation Authority heralded six organizations and individuals during this year's Essex Region Conservation Awards.
The Town of Amherstburg won the Robert Pulleyblank Municipal Award for upgrading its Wastewater Treatment Plan, creating a Sanitary Master Plan, and its commitment to parks and recreation. ERCA also lauded the transformation of a former sewage lagoon into a naturalized area and annual Earth Day tree plantings.
"It's very inspiring to have the opportunity to celebrate so many organizations and individuals who have made an incredible impact in conservation," said ERCA Chair Molly Allaire.
The John R Park Homestead Award was given to Julius Langpeter, who has been a volunteer at the homestead for more than 25 years, serving as the site's lead blacksmith.
Madison Kemp, a student at North Star High School, won the Youth Award. She is a member of the school's EcoTeam, engaging students and staff about conservation issues.
Allison Kozolanka won the Environmental Achievement Award for her leadership with the Unifor Local 444 Environment Committee. She raised awareness of the proposed Ojibway National Urban Park and coordinated litter pickups along the Chrysler Canada Greenway.
Reid Funeral Homes has planted trees in honour of the families they have served for the past three decades, creating the Fed Cada Memorial Forest. It also won the Environmental Achievement Award.
The Volunteer Award went to Brad and Sherri Nelson for their help planting thousands of trees and wildflowers across the region, fundraising activities, and volunteering at the John R Park Homestead.
