George R. Richardson Award of Honour
This award is presented to one recipient each year, to honour and recognize lifetime environmental achievement.
The 2024 award is presented to Geoffrey Carpentier for being a dedicated environmental advocate with over 45 years of experience in conservation, particularly in bird studies. His work includes extensive surveys of bird species such as loons, shorebirds, waterfowl, and breeding birds, many within the Lake Simcoe watershed. Geoffrey has been a key contributor to Cornell’s eBird project for nearly two decades, where he provides critical data, including bird sightings, nesting information, and sound recordings. As a regional reviewer for eBird, he ensures the accuracy of rare bird sightings, helping provide real-time data that supports academic research, consultants, and government agencies in understanding bird distribution and developing environmental protection strategies.
Throughout his 35-year career at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Geoffrey played a pivotal role in environmental protection across multiple regions, including York, Durham, Kawartha Lakes and Simcoe County. He oversaw pesticide programs, developed regulations for species at risk, and ensured industries adhered to environmental protection measures. Beyond his professional career, Geoffrey and his wife transformed their 1.5-acre property in the Lake Simcoe watershed into an eco-friendly habitat, featuring a pollinator garden, native plan meadow and a pond that supports reptiles and amphibians.
Geoffrey’s passion for nature extends to his community involvement. He writes nature columns for local newspapers, serves on environmental advisory committees, and is a founding member of the North Durham Nature Club. As a speaker for various nature organizations, Geoffrey not only shares his expertise but inspires others to engage in environmental conservation. He is a true environmental champion, leaving a lasting legacy in conservation efforts throughout the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Past award winners:
- 2023 – Wil Wegman (posthumously)
- 2022 – Herb Quan
- 2021 – Rosemary and John Dunsmore
- 2020 – Not Awarded
- 2019 – Not Awarded
- 2018 – Sylvia Bowman
- 2017 – Lorrie Mackness (posthumously)
- 2016 – Annabel Slaight
- 2015 – Josephine Mandamin
- 2014 – John Tran
- 2013 – John McCutcheon
- 2012 – John Sibbald
- 2011 – Dave Tomlinson
- 2010 – Debby Beatty
- 2009 – Paul Harpley
- 2008 – Dave Kerwin
- 2007 – Bob Bowles
- 2006 – Dr. George Connell
- 2005 – Angus Morton
- 2004 – Tom Taylor
- 2003 – Charles Wilson
- 2002 – Ted Bagley (posthumously)
- 2001 – Ken Nicholls
- 2000 – J.O. Dales
- 1999 – Ernie Crossland
- 1998 – George R. Richardson
Who to Contact
Katarina Zeppieri
✆ 905-895-1281 x 116
✆ 1-800-465-0437 Toll free
✉ k.zeppieri@lsrca.on.ca
Award nominations
2024 Nominations are now Closed.