The City of Kawartha Lakes’ Environmental Advisory Committee recently announced its 2021 Environmental Heroes Awards.
The awards, which were announced at council’s May 3rd committee of the whole meeting, recognize residents, organizations, and businesses who are committed to improving the wellness of the environment in Kawartha Lakes.
“This past year we saw a variety of nominations and efforts for more sustainable garden projects, tree canopies, sustainable products, waste reduction, and education programs,” said Tracy Richardson, deputy mayor and member of the environmental advisory committee council. “But most importantly, we’re seeing people doing things in their communities and we thank you for that and thank you for being such amazing stewards for the City of Kawartha Lakes.”
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The awards can be presented in three categories: Environmental Hero (or Environmental Business Hero), and Environmental Youth Hero (or Environmental Youth Hero).
The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association, led by Marnie Calaghan, Sherry Stutton, and Elayne Windsor, was awarded the Environmental Hero category for their creation of a pollinator garden at Reaboro Park, Reaboro, between Lindsay and Omemee. The garden supports a wide range of life forms and provides an interesting spot along the trail.
Richard Gauder and Sadie Gauder were honored for founding the organization Plant A Forest. This organization works with landowners, farmers and conservation areas to plant native plants and create biodiversity. John Ireland was the founder of Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes a non-profit community group whose goal it is to increase urban canopy.
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In the Environmental Business Hero category, Jenny Connell and Jessica Moynes — owners of Unwrapped in downtown Lindsay — were recognized for providing hundreds of environmentally friendly products that has saved thousands of tonnes of plastic waste from going to the landfill. Julia Taylor, Country Cupboard, Fenelon Falls, was honored for her efforts to educate people about plastic bags and provide recyclable containers for bulk items. She also replaced plastics with more environmentally friendly products and gave away trees each year.
Potash Creek Farms is a cut-your own Christmas tree farm located northeast of Omemee. Dan Vanderzwet runs it. He was recognized for his sustainable operations which include planting two- or three-year seedlings every April. Three Forks Farm, a family farm in South Bobcaygeon, was recognized for its sustainable farming practices. Field Sparrow Farms was a family farm in Bobcaygeon owned by Sarah Bakker and Henry Bakker. They were recognized for their innovative and responsible farming practices, including the production of premium meats in environmentally sustainable and ecologically-friendly ways.
The 6th Lindsay Brownies won the Environmental Youth Hero award for their efforts to learn more about local beekeepers. They also did seed workshops and were out on the trails spreading environmental education.
