2023 Environmental Hero Award recipients announced

Each year, the Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee (CKLEAC) recognizes individuals and businesses living in Kawartha Lakes who have shown a commitment to improving the wellness of the environment.

The Environmental Hero Awards are a chance for residents to nominate environmental change-makers in Kawartha Lakes and bring attention to the amazing work they’re doing to help the environment in our community.

This year there were three winners of the Environmental Business Hero award, four winners of the Environmental Hero award and three Environmental Student Heroes. Please join us in congratulating our 2023 Environmental Heroes:

Environmental Business Hero: Green Side Up Environmental, Omemee

Green Side Up Environmental is an ecological contracting firm specializing in landscape construction, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture. Their comprehensive services cater to a diverse clientele including government, private sector firms, and various organizations.

In addition to Landscape Construction, Green Side Up Environmental also provides a variety of services including Managed Forest Tax Incentive Plans (MFTIPS), forestry services, sustainable agriculture, biological services, ecological restoration and a native plant nursery.

With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Green Side Up Environmental continues to set industry standards through their dedication to ecological integrity.

To learn more visit the Green Side Up Environmental Services and Landscape website.

Environmental Business Hero: The Marina at Happy Days, Bobcaygeon

The Marina at Happy Days has been in operation since 1978 on Pigeon Lake, Bobcaygeon in the territory of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg. This family-owned business exemplifies a dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The Marina at Happy Days sets an outstanding example of environmental leadership in the marine industry. The Marina at Happy Days, takes proactive steps, collaborates with partners, and engages the community to protect and enhance the environment. This effort greatly benefits the health of Pigeon Lake and the surrounding areas. By incorporating sustainability into its core operations, The Marina at Happy Days demonstrates that responsible business practices can positively impact both the environment and local communities.

To learn more, visit the Happy Days Facebook page.

Environmental Business Hero: Inspire Beach Resort, Coboconk

Inspire Beach resort offers a peaceful escape where guests can unwind amidst untouched natural beauty. Inspire’s journey began with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The Inspire team envisioned a place where the harmony between comfort and nature could be preserved. Development of the resort took careful consideration of the integration of their structures into the landscape ensuring minimal disruption to the environment. Majestic trees and native flora were preserved, and provide the beautiful back drop for their eco-friendly cabins.

Currently, Inspire Beach Resort features three thoughtfully furnished cabins, each harmonizing with the natural surroundings. Future plans include the addition of more cabins while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

Inspire Beach Resort’s commitment to sustainability stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion for nature meets thoughtful hospitality.

Visit the Inspire Beach Resort website to learn more.

Environmental Hero: Sharon Britton and Linda Hibbert

Sharon Britton and Linda Hibbert have been dedicated volunteers at the Garnet Graham Beach in Fenelon Falls for the past three years, championing recycling efforts to keep the community cleaner and greener. Concerned about providing recycling options at Garnet Graham Beach Park, they took action by placing 90-gallon blue bins next to the regular waste bins.

Sharon and Linda regularly visit the park multiple times each week to combat contamination of non-recyclable items ending up in recycling bins, to combat this the duo diligently sort through the blue bins, removing any items that can’t be recycled and ensuring everything is disposed of correctly.

Sharon and Linda are true environmental heroes, embodying the spirit of community service and environmental stewardship. Their dedication ensures that both Fenelon Falls residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy a cleaner, more sustainable beach experience.

Environmental Hero: Amanda Renee Samson

Amanda Renee Samson is the founder and organizer of a popular “Buy Nothing” Facebook group serving Fenelon Falls and surrounding areas. With over 1000 members, the group facilitates the giving away of clothing and household items that people no longer need, allowing others to request items they are looking for, all for free.

By promoting a culture of giving and reuse, the group not only reduces landfill waste but also helps residents save money and participate in a circular economy. The group’s rules are clear: no bartering or exchanges are allowed, emphasizing the spirit of free giving.

Amanda’s initiative not only fosters environmental sustainability but also strengthens community bonds by encouraging philanthropy and resource sharing. Her efforts demonstrate the positive impact individuals can have on their local environment and community, earning her recognition as an environmental hero.

Environmental Hero: Randy Beacler

Randy Beacler embodies the spirit of volunteerism and dedication to environmental stewardship through his longstanding commitment to the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and beyond. For years, Randy has quietly and tirelessly contributed to the preservation and enhancement of this vital sanctuary in Norland.

At the heart of Randy’s volunteer efforts lies a deep passion for monitoring and understanding local wildlife. He has tracked amphibians, birds, and forest vegetation, providing invaluable data that informs conservation efforts. Beyond data collection, Randy ensures the safety and accessibility of the sanctuary’s trails, tirelessly clearing debris in spring and maintaining winter access.

Randy’s dedication extends beyond physical labor; he actively engages with visitors, sharing his deep knowledge. As a member of the Kawartha Field Naturalists, Randy participates enthusiastically in meetings and outings, enriching discussions with his insights and anecdotes from years spent in the field.

Randy’s dedication to conservation and environmental education is a testament to his character and values. His selfless contributions to the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and the community have earned him the admiration and gratitude of all who share his passion for nature.

Environmental Hero: John Kintare

John Kintare, a resident of Bobcaygeon, serves as the Executive Director of Kawartha Land Trust (KLT), a role he has held since 2019. Under his leadership, KLT has experienced significant growth, expanding its efforts to safeguard natural and working lands across Kawartha Lakes for future generations.

John has helped KLT safeguard more than 3,000 extra acres of land. Marking an 87% increase in the amount of land the KLT organization keeps protected. Other key achievements have included purchasing the Christie Bentham Wetland in 2020 and the Hammer Family Nature Preserve in late 2023, which covers 1,400 acres. Several properties totaling 376 acres have been conserved within Kawartha Lakes.

John has led several projects at KLT including working together with private landowners in the Partners in Conservation program to manage landscapes. His work has also focused on protecting working lands such as farms and woodlots, and making sure everyone in the community can easily enjoy natural spaces. John is committed to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss through innovative natural climate solutions.

Beyond his role at KLT, John is a co-founder of a consortium of regional land trusts operating within Williams Treaties First Nations territory, emphasizing meaningful engagement with Indigenous rights holders. He also serves as a Governor on the Board of Governors of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) since 2022.

Environmental Student Hero: Frost Campus Window Mitigation

It is estimated that up to 1 billion birds die in North America every year because of window collisions. This is one of the leading causes of bird population declines globally, and a current focus of avian conservation. Inspired by the Conservation Biology program at Fleming College’s Frost Campus and motivated by an international effort to save native bird populations throughout North America, the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee set forth to have the Lindsay, Frost Campus at Fleming College be designated as Canada’s first bird-friendly college.

The group has completed two phases of a multi-year collaborative research project to investigate the efficacy of Feather Friendly products (decal patterns) on the deterrence of avian window collisions. The project had participation from 93 students, for a total of 443 human hours to get the mitigation decals installed and to complete baseline monitoring.

As leaders in environmental education, Frost Campus has taken a leading role in the community for making positive action to mitigate threats to birds. This project is a collaboration between the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee which combines both students and faculty support. Trent University, Kawartha Wildlife Centre, Bird Friendly Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha Bird Control, Feather Friendly, FLAP, and NSERC.

Environmental Student Hero: Seed Library Project – Rebecca Wood

Rebecca Wood has been incredibly active in environmental projects and initiatives in Kawartha Lakes. She spearheaded the Seed Library Project from start to finish, which involved researching ethical methods for native seed collection, ways to ensure continued genetic variance and biodiversity, and seed processing methods. She also designed multiple seed library prototypes using repurposed materials, with plans to open them at various locations.

In addition to her work with the Seed Library Project, Rebecca has a strong background in beekeeping and pollinator education. She joined the Kawartha Junior Bee Keepers at a young age, and has since represented Canada internationally in beekeeping forums. She founded “Bee-Friend Pollinators” to educate children about pollinators and distributed pollinator seed kits to local schools. She’s also involved in her high school’s Green Advocates Group, supporting various environmental causes like turtle conservation and community clean-up events.

Rebecca’s activism spans a wide range of environmental efforts, showcasing her dedication to sustainability and community engagement.

Environmental Student Hero: I.E. Weldon Green Advocates Team

The I.E. Weldon Secondary School Green Advocates Team includes a variety of students ranging from grades 9 to 12 who share a passion for environmental change.

The Green Advocates Team meets weekly to address various environmental issues and strategize on ways to make positive change. Throughout the 2023 to 2024 school year, they undertook several impactful projects, including but not limited to:

• Organized “Change for Change” fundraiser, collecting over $600 to plant trees at I.E. Weldon through the Canopy Project.
• Collaborated with SCAN! on a letter-writing campaign, leading to local government action on environmental policies.
• Conducted an awareness campaign urging divestment from dirty oil investments.
• Initiated a recycling program at school, including educational sessions on waste reduction.
• Organized biannual garbage clean-ups around the school grounds.
• Coordinated a sock collection initiative, diverting over 6000 socks from landfills.
• Presented deputations to the Kawartha Lakes Council on sustainable decision-making and engaged with local environmental committees.

Through their various activities, the Green Advocates Team has discovered that collective action can drive significant change and foster community engagement. Their efforts have not only benefited their school environment but also inspired peers and garnered recognition as candidates for the Environmental Student Hero Award.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for environmental heroes in their community, nominations for 2024 will begin next spring. To learn more about municipal environment initiatives visit the Environment page.

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