Healthy Community Award
The Healthy Community Award celebrates individuals or groups in our watershed who have completed a project that increases community connections and engagement through events, fairs and festivals; tree plantings; clean-ups and community programs. It also acknowledges significant traditional media or social media coverage; delivering innovative environmental programs or services; as well as sharing knowledge and information through campaigns.
2024 Nominations are now closed.
The Healthy Community award was presented to the following recipients in 2024:

BCX Environmental Consulting (East Gwillimbury, Newmarket)
BCX Environmental Consulting has positively impacted the environment through their volunteer work with the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Days Program. In 2022 and 2023, BCX staff planted a total of 200 native trees and shrubs in East Gwillimbury and Newmarket, enhancing local green spaces during their workdays. This includes 100 native plants at Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area in 2022 and another 100 at Kirby Crescent in 2023. Their efforts improve wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity and promote ecological health in urban areas, supporting environmental sustainability.

CGI (King)
In 2022 and 2023, CGI volunteered with the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Days Program, significantly contributing to local environmental efforts. They planted a total of 400 native trees and shrubs, including 200 at Schomberg Community Farm in 2022, and another 200 at Ansnorveldt Community Park in 2023. These efforts enhance wildlife habitat, increase riparian buffers, and improve biodiversity, establishing essential habitat for wildlife and strengthening natural vegetation along waterways, thereby promoting the health and resilience of the local ecosystem.

Green Initiatives Advisory Committee (Bradford West Gwillimbury)
The Green Initiatives Advisory Committee is focused on combating climate change, protecting nature, and improving green spaces. Comprising of local teachers, nurses, environmental advocates and Council members, the committee promotes environmental initiatives and advises Council on relevant issues. Their initial task was to develop an Action Plan focusing on three key areas: (1) Climate Change Mitigation Master Plan, (2) Environmental Advocacy, and (3) Water Protection. Future plans include reviewing tree-preservation bylaws, enhancing the arboricultural program, cleaning up the Holland River and developing a new green procurement policy to reduce emissions.

Heart of Ontario Snowmobile Club (Cannington)
The Heart of Ontario Snowmobile Club has supported the Beaver River Wetland Trail for nearly 10 years, providing essential maintenance and improvements since its opening. In summer of 2023, they collaborated with the Conservation Lands team to repair two bridges on the 13-kilometre trail, offering equipment, expertise, and a dedicated volunteer crew. Throughout the summer, they trimmed woody brush to maintain a safe trail corridor for users. Despite limited snow days in the winter of 2023/2024, they continued to inspect the trail, removing obstacles and keeping the surface dry during wet conditions. This group’s year-round efforts enhance safety and accessibility, promoting recreation and community stewardship.

Island View Beach Association (Georgina)
The Island View Beach Association has made significant contributions to the health of Burnie Creek and Lake Simcoe through their tree and shrub planting initiatives. Since 2023, 24 volunteers have planted a total of 85 shrubs and 115 trees over two events. This restoration of 75 metres of riparian buffer increases biodiversity, improves wildlife habitat, reduces soil erosion, and cools the water. Their efforts enhance the natural environment, support sustainable ecosystems, and promote the overall health of Lake Simcoe and the watershed.

Junior Optimist Club of Keswick (Georgina)
The Junior Optimist Club of Keswick, a group of dedicated young individuals aged 10-17, is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental conservation. They volunteer on projects such as butterfly gardens, planting milkweed along trails, and educating the public on the importance of maintaining natural habitat. They began by creating a small wildflower garden at The ROC, and this year they are expanding their efforts by planting over 150 new trees, and are developing a one-acre wildflower area with six bee hotels built by local students. The Town of Georgina is also launching a website for residents to share their wildflower garden locations and the species planted. To help promote the new website, the Junior Optimists will distribute 500 wildflower seed packets at their local Farmer’s Market.

Sunderland Lions Club (Brock)
The Sunderland Lions Club has supported the Beaver River Wetland Trail for nearly a decade. Shortly after the trail opened, the Lions funded interpretive panels at the trailhead in Blackwater and initiated the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation Memorial Bench program, purchasing and installing the first three benches along the trail from Sunderland to Blackwater. Their commitment extends to active participation in trail maintenance, including fixing bridges, clearing the corridor, watering newly planted trees during dry summer months, and notifying the Conservation Lands team to any issues.
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.