From planting trees to providing low waste options to consumers a number of businesses and individuals were recognized for their commitment to the environment by the Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee (KLEAC) at council’s Committee of the Whole meeting May 5.
“Thank you to everyone on behalf of KLEAC and Council, for being such incredible environmental stewards in Kawartha Lakes,” commented Tracy Richardson, Deputy Mayor and KLEAC Council Member.
“You’ve really raised the benchmark and we appreciate everything you’re doing to show others in the community of what we all can do to protect the environment.”
Here are the 2021 Award Winners:
Environmental Heroes
Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association Marnie Callaghan, Sherry Sutton and Elayne Windsor created a pollinator garden in a local Reaboro park through the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. The garden supports a wide range of life forms and is an interesting spot along the trail.
Plant a forest: Richard and Sadie Gauder, started the organization Plant a Forest to work with landowners, farmers and conservation areas to plant indigenous plants and help create biodiversity. They plant twice per year using plantings from local businesses. One in the spring, one in the fall.
Canopy Project John Ireland was the founder of the non profit organization. Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes – (CPKL).A volunteer-led community group, whose goal is increase the urban canopy. The project led to the planting of hundreds of trees in the municipality.
Environmental Business Hero
Unwrapped: Owners of Unwrapped in downtown Lindsay, Jenny Connell and Jessica Moynes provide hundreds of environmentally friendly products that has saved thousands of tonnes of plastic waste from going to the landfill.
Country Cupboard Julia Taylor (The). Country Cupboard in Fenelon Falls is one of the most environmentally aware people in Kawartha Lakes. Her store has taught people to stop using plastic bags, provides recyclable vessels for bulk items, replaces plastics with environmentally products and gives trees away annually.
Potash Creek Farms A cut-your-own Christmas Tree operation on a 99 acre property north-east of Omemee run by Dan Vanderzwet. Each December, the Potash Creek Farms opens up for customers to cut their own spruce, pine, and fir trees. To balance the trees, the Vanderzwets plant two- to three-year seedlings each April.
Three Forks Farm A family operated farm on 98 acres just south of Bobcaygeon. Elecia and Jarod Chinnick are hard at work to revive and implement sustainable farming practices. They also grow local food. Three Forks Farm.
Field Sparrow Farms Henry Bakker and Sarah Bakker manage a second family-owned farm in Bobcaygeon. Field Sparrow Farms believes in responsible and innovative farming strategies that benefit customers, producers and the community. They produce top-quality meats in environmentally sustainable ways.
Environmental Youth Hero
6th Lindsay Brownies This group of Brownies are out there learning about the local beekeepers and pollinators, doing seed workshops and out on the trails furthering environmental education and doing more for the community.
