Recognizing environment and climate leaders in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – The Durham Environment and Climate Advisory Committee’s (DECAC) 2023 Durham Environmental Achievement Awards were handed out last night at the Durham Environment and Climate Forum at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa.

Established in 2003, the award categories – named in memory of past environmental leaders – recognize and acknowledge environmental achievements of individuals and organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors within Durham Region. The program is intended to recognize efforts to promote, preserve and enhance the local environment. This year, four of the eight awards categories were awarded to eligible nominees.

The Dr. J. Murray Speirs Restoration Award for the restoration of the natural environment and supporting climate adaptation was presented to Friends of Second Marsh for their work on their “Let’s De-Phrag the Marsh” project, restoring one acre of natural habitat in the Oshawa Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Preserve and raising community awareness of natural features.

The Irene Kock Environmental Awareness Award was presented to Kyla Paonessa for demonstrating community leadership in transforming a grass cul-de-sac island in her neighbourhood into a pollinator garden with more than 350 native plant species and for demonstrating commitment to its ongoing maintenance. This award recognizes fostering effective communication, sharing knowledge and exhibiting leadership in helping others learn about the natural environment and climate change.

The Jessica Markland Partnership Award for co-operative efforts to enhance the environment and promote sustainability by building partnerships with public, community and private interests was presented to Durham TREES for their collaboration between five local conservation authorities and the World Wildlife Fund to support landowners in planting more than 95,000 trees in Durham through their subsidized tree planting program.

The John G. Goodwin Sustainable Group Award was presented to Monsignor Leo Cleary Catholic Elementary School for their long-lasting positive impacts to student learning and the environment through various student and staff-led initiatives, including a recycling and compost program, a new greenhouse, a pollinator garden, chicken coop, and a planted windbreak and privacy hedge. This award recognizes groups that have gone above and beyond in making a positive impact on the environment through education and/or stewardship.

For more information about the awards program, please visit durham.ca/DECAC.

– 30 –

For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.