Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) honoured local community members at its annual ‘Friends of the Credit’ Conservation Awards on March 30 at BraeBen Golf and Country Club in Mississauga.
Over 85 guests and representatives from CVC’s board of directors attended the event.
This year’s ceremony marked the 30th anniversary of the Conservation Awards. Since the program began in 1986, CVC has honoured 340 individuals, landowners, community groups, businesses, municipalities and agencies in the watershed that have made significant environmental contributions.
The awards are issued by CVC’s board of directors to honour those who demonstrate the organization’s core values of leadership, collaboration, innovation and integrity through environmental practices.
Hillsburgh residents Bernie, Joanneke and Harris Kottelenberg were honoured with an Award of Distinction for using agricultural best management practices on their farm. Through their work with CVC, the Kottelenbergs constructed a manure storage system and have taken on a plan to manage manure from their farm. This improves soil health and protects water quality in the nearby creek.
The Kottelenbergs worked with CVC to design an extensive grassed waterway system to control erosion on the property.
This is the most advanced erosion control system of its kind in the Credit River watershed. Erosion control systems are needed to prevent water pollution, soil loss, wildlife habitat loss and human property loss. The Kottelenbergs are proud agricultural stewards in their community.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to extend my gratitude for all the meaningful environmental work over 30 years,” said Nando Iannicca, CVC chair
“I am proud of all the remarkable achievements our award recipients have accomplished.
“With each project and initiative these leaders continue to improve the local environment and our quality of life.”
The Conservation Awards are an opportunity for CVC’s board of directors to recognize important environmental work that is carried out at the local community level.
Awards were presented to 21 recipients in four categories: young conservationist, Award of Merit, Award of Distinction and Award of Excellence.
