A number of local environmentalists were celebrated recently by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) at its annual general meeting.
In recognition of their outstanding efforts in preserving the health of the Lower Thames watershed, six awards were presented at the gathering held in Ridgetown Feb. 20.
Three plaques were given out in the Volunteer Hero awards category, with the Special Event recognition going to the Lambton and Chatham-Kent Retired Teachers.
According to a media release, the award is given to an individual or a group involved in a one-time or recurring event. Made up of 60 retired educators, the teacher’s group has volunteered at the Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Water Festival for the past 18 years.
Anne Velle and Kathy Flanagan accepted the award on the group’s behalf.
The Environmental Hero award to acknowledge individuals who contribute to environmental awareness and action was presented to John and Jan Everett of London. The couple travels to local schools and special events, including annual appearances at the LTVCA Water Festival to educate students about turtles.
Jan has also written a children’s book about turtle conservation titled ‘Never Give Up.”
The Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Water Festival Committee was also recognized. After 18 years of leading the event as a volunteer, Don Hector has stepped down. However, under his guidance, a new committee has been formed to ensure the initiative’s ongoing success.
Despite limited time, the committee put together the 2024 event that saw 2,100 students attend.
A handful of Environment Awards to recognize projects committing to environmental sustainability in the community or on private property were also awarded.
Enbridge was named as the Most Dedicated Organization for collaborating with the LTVCA on multiple tree-planting initiatives across Chatham-Kent. Enbridge employee Mark Gagner was given special mention.
The Most Dedicated Landowner (East) went to Glencoe-area Hadler Farms Inc., which implemented a two-acre tree-planting project.
Chatham’s Bob and Moira Kerr were named as the Most Dedicated Landowner (West) for transforming a portion of the Flook & Hinton drain into 10 acres of protected space for species at risk.
The annual meeting also saw changes on the LTVCA board. Leamington Coun. Paul Tiessen was elected board chair for 2025-26 as new provincial regulations mean outgoing chair Sara Emons was only allowed to serve a two-year term. However, Emons and Chatham-Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson were elected as vice-chairs.
