Chisholm farmer and Redbridge school win 2011 Environmental Awards

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release
*********************

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) announced today the recipients of its 2011 annual environmental awards. The Dorothy Walford Memorial Environmental Award will be presented to Lori Anderson, a Chisholm Township farmer, while Phelps Central Public School Environmental Club was selected as the recipient of the Ward Smith Environmental Youth Award.

Lori Anderson’s farming practises echo her commitment to sound environmental stewardship. Backing onto Graham Lake, she maintains a buffer and refrains from farming on slopes leading to the lake. Three acres of red pines further enhance the prevention of runoff. An avid birder, she has installed wood duck and eastern bluebird nest boxes and she volunteers with numerous bird count initiatives and monitoring programs.

At Phelps Central Public School, the 9 to 12 year olds in the Environmental Club spend their lunch break sorting through the paper, plastic and cardboard recyclables. With no recyle pick up at their school, arrangements have to be made to transport these materials off school site. The club also collects and washes yogurt containers and counts drinking pouches to help raise funds for the school.

“Lori Anderson demonstrates the spirit of our environmental awards, by making a significant and valuable contribution to the local environment,” says Brian Tayler, General Manager, North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. “The proactive approach that Lori takes is commendable, especially in the Callander-Wasi subwatershed where steps like this will help reduce the run-off of phosphorus”.

The Dorothy Walford Memorial Environmental Award is presented to an individual or group in recognition of their significant and valuable contribution through word, thought, effort or deed to the conservation, preservation or enhancement of the natural environment at the local level. The award was created by Pollution Probe of North Bay in 1971. It was named in memory of Dorothy Walford, a local conservationist dedicated to increasing environmental consciousness.

The Ward Smith Environmental Youth Award was established by the North Bay - Mattawa Conservation Authority in 1993 as a companion award to the Dorothy Walford Memorial Award. It has been named to pay tribute to Ward Smith, Chairman of the North Bay - Mattawa Conservation Authority from 1978 through 1991. The Ward Smith Environmental Youth Award is presented to an individual or group as a token of appreciation for youth interest and involvement in the protection, improvement and/or conservation of the natural environment at the local level.

All nominees in both categories receive letters of appreciation from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. The award winners will be honoured at a formal award presentation and celebration on Thursday, November 10, 2011 in North Bay.

*********************