Healthy Land Award
The Healthy Land award celebrates improvement projects that help to support and protect natural heritage features including woodlands, wetlands and their functions; wildlife habitat; biodiversity and ecological restoration; soil erosion; and trail development.
2024 Nominations are now closed.
The Healthy Land award was presented to the following recipients in 2024:
Doug Van Luyk (Bradford West Gwillimbury, King)
Doug Van Luyk and his family, from Hollandale Acres Inc., manage over 900 acres of muck soil and upland fields in the Holland Marsh. In 2023, Doug planted 300 acres of cover crops to reduce soil erosion from wind and water, manage weeds and improve soil health. These crops enhance water filration, prevent compaction, and add organic matter to the soil. Doug also installed de-dirting equipment on his carrot harvester and has participated in projects since 2012 to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, promoting sustainable farming practices environmental protection.
John Kuenen (Scugog)
John Kuenen planted 3,350 trees on his property, including a buffer along a watercourse, contributing to the health of Lake Simcoe and the watershed. His efforts improve biodiversity, provide wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, filter runoff, and act as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change. By using native species, John promotes sustainable land management and long-term environmental resilience, setting a high standard for environmental stewardship.
Nancy & Steve Astin (Oro-Medonte)
Nancy and Steve are committed to conserving and enhancing our natural environment. In 2022, they were recognized for their tree plantings and cover crop projects. This spring, they worked with the Conservation Authority to create a quarter hectare wetland on their property, expanding habitat and planting native vegetation to support ecological functions. The wetland enhances wildlife habitat, attracting birds, frogs, and other species, while seeding with diverse native mixes increasing biodiversity and fosters ecological restoration.
Penelope Beaudrow & William Hutchison (Brock)
Over the past four years, Penelope and Will worked with the Conservation Authority to plant nearly 8,500 tree seedlings, adding 3.65 hectares of new forest on their property. They prepared the land by mowing, levelling and seeding new areas to accommodate more trees, and have maintained the young trees by controlling weeds and removing invasive species like European buckthorn. Their efforts enhance wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity, restore ecological balance, and prevent soil erosion.
Tim Horlings (Newmarket)
Tim Horlings of Hol-Mar Farms, which spans 200 acres in the Holland Marsh, has completed several projects to help conserve muck soil and prevent soil erosion. In 2023, he planted 55 acres of oilseed radish as an overwinter cover crop to control soil, wind and water erosion while enriching the soil with nutrients. These crops were tilled in the spring, improving soil health. Tim has also planted trees along the Schomberg River to stabilize its banks. His efforts enhance soil structure, improve water filtration, increase organic matter and contribute to the farm’s environmental sustainability.
Yacking Duck Club & Ducks Unlimited Canada (Brock)
The Yacking Duck Club donated over 120 hectares of Provincially Significant Wetland on the Beaver River, creating a vital corridor for migratory waterfowl and rare and endangered bird species. Finalized in March 2024, the land is now managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada, contributing to a healthy ecosystem and preserving critical wildlife habitat. Ducks Unlimited Canada is a leading conservation organization dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and other waterfowl habitat across the country. Their preservation of this significant wetland promotes biodiversity and ecological restoration by maintaining natural habitat and preventing habitat fragmentation.
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.