From planting trees on their property to volunteering at a local environmental event, Otonabee Conservation is recognizing Peterborough residents, groups, and businesses who’ve made positive contributions to the planet.
For the first time since before the pandemic, Otonabee Conservation recently held in person its annual general meeting. Watershed residents, supporters, donors, staff, and members of the board of directors gathered at Riverview Park and Zoo’s Rotary Education Centre in Peterborough to celebrate Otonabee Conservation’s accomplishments in 2023.
Recognizing area residents, organizations, and businesses whose actions are having a meaningful impact on the environment was also on the agenda, with Otonabee Conservation presenting its annual environmental excellence awards.
“The environmental excellence awards recognize people and groups in order to celebrate positive actions throughout the watershed,” Karen Halley, manager of communications, outreach and special projects for Otonabee Conservation, told kawarthaNOW.
“We highlight projects that protect and promote a healthy watershed, demonstrate environmental work done by people and organizations, showcase leadership in environmental excellence in the community, and that inspire people to take environmental action. We can do more together, and so honouring and celebrating our partnerships and individual conservation actions in the watershed is important to us and helps to inspire others to do the same,” Halley said.
There are many opportunities for people, groups, and businesses to take part in conservation efforts in their communities at any time, she noted.
“People can plant trees either on their property or at one of our volunteer events,” Halley added. “They can get involved in one of the many environmental organizations in the Peterborough area and throughout the watershed — many of which we also work with and highlight through the environmental excellence awards. And, people can also utilize many of our online resources and educational materials that help families and residents get out into nature.”
Also during the meeting, Otonabee Conservation’s new chair and vice chair — deputy mayor Michael Metcalf from the Municipality of Trent Hills and councillor Kevin Duguay from the City of Peterborough — were appointed.
“I look forward to working together with the board and staff in 2024, to address issues and challenges across the Otonabee region watershed,” Metcalf stated in a media release.
Each year at its annual general meeting, Otonabee Conservation honours four watershed champions. Otonabee Conservation has been presenting its environmental excellence awards since 2015, with this year’s recipients listed below.
Cathy Dueck received the individual conservationist award. This award recognizes outstanding people who have undertaken projects, demonstrated leadership, and inspired others to create a healthier watershed.
The Peterborough Humane Society received the environmental stewardship award. This award recognizes community or organized groups that have successfully undertaken projects that contribute to a healthier watershed.
Brad Appleby from the City of Peterborough received the conservation partnership award. The award recognizes a municipal partner or agency who/that has made a significant, positive contribution to furthering the objectives of Otonabee Conservation in one or more areas of the authority’s operations.
Nefab Inc. in Peterborough received the business award. This award recognizes a business that has made a significant contribution to projects or programs at Otonabee Conservation, advancing its vision of a healthy watershed.
More details about the awards and the winners are available on Otonabee Conservation’s website at www.otonabeeconservation.com.
