Celebrating Action

The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s annual awards salute Canadians who make a difference

THROUGH ITS AWARDS EACH YEAR, THE CANADIAN

Wildlife Federation recognizes the contributions and celebrates the efforts of Canadians who generously spent their time and energy pitching in. These award recipients have worked to conserve, protect and enhance our national heritage and have inspired others to do the same.

This year, CWF celebrates a passionate Ontario youth, a committed scuba diver intent on cleaning Newfoundland’s harbours, a retired Alberta park superintendent who is also an award-winning conservation writer, a recently elected New Brunswick politician with a love of nature, an influential B.C. conservation maven, a superhero on a mission to teach kids about science and a grassroots organization devoted to expanding a network of essential volunteer-run fish hatcheries. A diverse and varied group, they nonetheless share some key attributes: a desire to contribute to a conservation ethos through commitment, passion, engagement and action — and in doing so, inspire others to do the same. They are leaders, yes, but they are also exemplars of all Canadians who pitch in. Statistics Canada has found that nearly one in five households in Canada (18 per cent) engage in unpaid conservation activities, and those that are home to children and teens are more than twice as likely to have pitched in. The numbers for 20-somethings and seniors are also considerable. These awards celebrate them all.

The awards are also a call to action. There are many ways in which we can each get involved to help the environment. Some join organized events such as local park cleanup days, beachcombing litter pickup efforts and community plantings. These may be organized through municipalities, schools, sports clubs, recreation centres, and community and religious organizations. Not only do these groups support important activities, but they rally communities together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Others may prefer more selfdirected efforts, which can be as simple as picking up litter, writing letters to authorities encouraging action or donating to groups they support. Others enjoy playing the role of citizen scientist, contributing time and energy to collect and submit valuable data and on-the-ground observations.

Whatever your preference, we encourage you to join these noteworthy volunteers in contributing to the conservation of our country’s species and natural habitats. There is much to be done.