We are pleased to announce the 2011 recognition recipients in the "Non-Governmental Organization" category.
- Community Stream Steward Program, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
- Camp Kawartha
- Wine Council of Ontario
- Green Communities Canada / Well Aware
Community Stream Steward Program,
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
The Community Stream Steward Program (CSSP) is a multi-partner stream conservation and stewardship organization hosted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Based in Peterborough, the CSSP works to restore, protect, and enhance streams through education, training and hands-on stream restoration projects.
The CSSP has used this engagement strategy to create tangible environmental benefits and foster behavioural change in landowners, volunteers, and communtiy groups across central Ontario. The program aims to educate and engage students and youth in stream stewardship, and train a network of stewards who will advance stewardship activities locally.
This innovative approach to stream stewardship demonstrates the overall impact that an organization can have on both the community and the environment.
Camp Kawartha
Located in Lakefield, Camp Kawartha is an environmentally-focused organization that offers summer camp programming, an outdoor education centre and environment centre.
Through extensive fundraising and community partnerships, Camp Kawartha was able to build one of the most sustainable buildings in Canada: The Camp Kawartha Environment Centre. Constructed by 26 student volunteers, the centre showcases several sustainable building techniques and innovative green architecture.
The centre offers more than 30 linked programs on environmental issues such as climate change, habitat protection, and species depletion. Thousands of elementary and secondary school students have visited the facility and participated in its programs. It also serves as a model for sustainable technologies in the community, as well as a tool for teachers to provide innovative environmental programming and environmental teacher training.
Wine Council of Ontario
The Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Program was developed by the Wine Council of Ontario (WCO), based in St. Catharines.
This program was the first in Canada to promote sustainability throughout the wine industry. Components of the program are strongly focused on water-related issues, which include groundwater protection, surface water conservation and wastewater treatment. Reducing toxics is also a major focus to address the use of pesticides by vineyards and wineries.
A variety of methods are used including industry and community outreach, educational workshops, newsletters, and assessments to measure the progress of wineries towards integrating sustainability practices into their operations.
The Wine Council of Ontario and many of its members are early adopters of the lightweight glass program. This innovative strategy is an example of WCO’s environmental leadership in the industry.
Green Communities Canada / Well Aware
Established by Green Communities Canada in Peterborough, Well Aware is an innovative stewardship program that has been delivered to rural well owners for over a decade. To date, thousands of well owners have been engaged and provided education on the importance of well maintenance and groundwater protection.
Through partnerships with 14 not-for-profit organizations, Well Aware has addressed the knowledge gap in well stewardship and teaches best-management practices to ensure the environmental impact of wells is minimized.
Outreach is carried out through a variety of methods including workshops, community forums, booklets and kits, information videos, personal interaction with well owners, and home visits by trained water advisors.
