Web Archive
June 20, 2014
For immediate release
PEI Environmental Awards recognize outstanding achievements
Environment, Labour and Justice
“There are many people across Prince Edward Island who are playing an active role in a wide range of environmental activities,” said Minister Sherry. “The PEI Environmental Awards draw attention to the exceptional efforts of those who have demonstrated their commitment to the protection and enhancement of our environment.”
The Environmental Advisory Council’s 2014 awards were presented in Summerside on Friday by Lieutenant Governor Frank Lewis. This year’s recipients are the Winter River Tracadie Bay Watershed Association with special recognition of John Hughes, Dr. Kelly Lockhart and Myles Lord, and Summerside Intermediate School.
To be eligible for an award, nominees must have been instrumental in dealing with an environmental problem; demonstrating consistently responsible environmental management practice, or promoting public awareness, understanding and active concern for the enhancement and protection of the environment. The Environmental Advisory Council began honouring Islanders for environmental leadership in 1987.
BACKGROUNDER
Winter River - Tracadie Bay Watershed Association with special recognition of John Hughes
For many years, the Winter River Tracadie Bay Watershed Association has advocated for the north shore environment and educated students and residents on how to manage the watershed. John Hughes was a founding member of the association and provided strong leadership over the years. An avid outdoorsman, he opened cross-country trails, hosted snowshoeing classes, offered canoe lessons and encouraged biking. Under his leadership, the association was the recipient of the 2013 National Excellence in Water Stewardship Award for Prince Edward Island. Canadian Geographic has included the work of the association on its website as a teaching tool.
Dr. Kelly Lockhart and Myles Lord
Dr. Kelly Lockhart and Myles Lord have been involved in conservation activities for more than 20 years. They have been very active in the Tryon River Watershed Co-op and the South Shore Watershed Association. They have promoted public awareness of healthy streams and buffer zones, assisted students with stream restoration activities, and contributed to the costs of dredging Lord’s Pond.
Myles Lord has volunteered many days in streams with his students removing excessive wood debris, finding innovative ways to remove sediment and to improve the Tryon River navigational channel.
Summerside Intermediate School
Summerside Intermediate School has been working closely with its local watershed group for the past seven years, introducing students to environmental stewardship, biodiversity and the importance of the environment. The school has been involved in monitoring water quality and macro-invertebrate biodiversity within five stream sides in the Bedeque Bay watershed area.
This past year, teachers and students planted 600 native trees, shrubs and plants within stream side riparian zones. They also worked with staff and residents of Summerset Manor to plant 350 trees and shrubs as part of a memorial garden and walkway.
