Conservation Authority announces 2007 environmental award recipients

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) announced today the recipients of its 2007 annual conservation awards. Two classrooms from Sundridge Centennial Public School, Ms. Cogan’s 2006-2007 grade two class and Mrs. Cousin’s 2006-2007 grade three class, were selected as the 2007 co-recipients of the NBMCA’s Ward Smith Environmental Youth Award, while the Dorothy Walford Memorial Award will be presented to Peggy Walsh Craig.

For over 20 years or more Peggy Walsh Craig has been actively involved in raising awareness about environmental issues in North Bay and the surrounding area. In her calm, soft-spoken, positive manner, she has demonstrated excellent leadership abilities and has played a role in several environmental organizations such as Nipissing Environmental Watch, Greater Nipissing Stewardship Council, Nipissing Botanical Gardens and many more.

Recipients of the Ward Smith award, Sundridge Centennial Public School’s grade two and three classrooms, have studied and raised butterflies from the egg stage of development to the adult stage and then released their butterflies. The classes also planted flowers in the school yard that would attract the largest variety of insects, butterflies and birds for both habitat and feeding. In addition, several birdhouses were erected to increase the bird habitat in the school yard and birds were frequently seen using these birdhouses.

“It is very important for youth today to become active and aware of environmental issues in their area” says Brian Tayler, General Manager, North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. “The initiative that these children took to complete this project is commendable.”

The award winners will be honoured at a formal award presentation and celebration on Thursday, November 29, 2007 in North Bay, with a special presentation for the children at Sundridge Centennial Public School in early December. All nominees in both categories will receive letters of appreciation from the North Bay – Mattawa Conservation Authority.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA’s 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organisation, the NBMCA works closely with the public to ensure the environmental health of the region’s watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.

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