Local Heroes of Nature Honored at Annual Watershed Stewardship Event

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Conservation Halton celebrated the outstanding contributions of local landowners to environmental protection and sustainability at its annual Watershed Stewardship Awards at Area 8 Conservation Area in Burlington.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Conservation Authority, brought together more than 50 guests for Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day—an annual celebration recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations for their exceptional efforts to protect and enhance natural features on both public and private lands.

This year, nine landowners were recognized for their dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship, including four recipients from within the Conservation Halton watershed. Among them, 407 ETR received the Corporate Environmental Leadership Award for its long-standing commitment to environmental initiatives, including funding habitat restoration projects and supporting pollinator-friendly areas along its highway corridor.

Karen Brock was honoured for Community and Rural Stewardship. A passionate environmental advocate and long-time volunteer with Oakville Green, Brock has inspired community members to take meaningful action in support of nature.

Ashley Elliott, recognized for Cootes to Escarpment and Urban Stewardship, has transformed her property—part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System—by removing invasive species and creating rain gardens to manage runoff and support biodiversity across connected watersheds.

Andrews Scenic Acres was awarded for Agricultural Stewardship in recognition of its sustainable farming practices. Known for its family-friendly farm and fruit wines, the business uses cover cropping and windbreaks to protect soil and water health.

“Local landowners play a vital role in our collective efforts to maintain healthy watersheds and vibrant ecosystems,” said Chandra Sharma, President and CEO of Conservation Halton. “We appreciate all the efforts of this year’s award recipients in restoring damaged ecosystems, enhancing community resilience, and creating more spaces where wildlife can thrive.”

Since its inception in 1994, the Watershed Stewardship Awards program has recognized more than 300 local landowners and families for their leadership in caring for wildlife, meadows, streams, wetlands, woodlands, and escarpment lands. Collectively, these stewards protect more than 13,400 acres across the Halton and Hamilton watersheds.

To further support private land conservation, Conservation Halton offers financial assistance programs to help landowners undertake restoration and stewardship projects on their properties. Details can be found at conservationhalton.ca/financial-assistance-programs.

Conservation Halton is a community-based environmental agency that protects people, property, and natural resources from flooding, erosion, and other environmental hazards. As one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities, it manages more than 1,000 square kilometres of land—stretching from the Lake Ontario shoreline to the Niagara Escarpment—and welcomes over a million visitors annually to its eight conservation areas.