Environmental Service Awards presented in "Year of the Tree"

Award winners, council members, town staff and environmental committee members met at Briar Ridge Park for a ceremony and a tree planting.

With it being the “Year of the Tree” in Amherstburg, the town planted some new trees in Briar Ridge Park but before that, local residents, business and groups were presented Environmental Stewardship Awards.

An outdoor ceremony was held prior to the tree planting, with a dozen awards announced. Mayor Michael Prue was joined by many of his council colleagues and members of administration at the Saturday afternoon ceremony.

“This is a special occasion, one where we come together as a community to give back to the land that sustains us,” said Prue. “We also take a moment to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in protecting and preserving our environment. As part of council’s proclamation of 2025 as Year of the Tree, the Town of Amherstburg launched the Environmental Stewardship Awards to recognize individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the community who demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Mayor Michael Prue and Councillor Molly Allaire congratulate Lifetime Achievement Award winner Greg Nemeth (right).

Prue noted the town is at the top in the region for environmental cover, as it is meeting the 15 per cent natural cover recommendation set out by the United Nation.

Greg Nemeth won the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the award recognizing an individual whose long-term contributions have had a lasting, positive impact on the environmental health of the community.

Nemeth said he never realized when he played as a child in the Big Creek watershed how important it was and the species it contained. He has spent years photographing plants, birds, and other native species and also pressed for their protection.

“It’s up to us if we want it to remain,” said Nemeth.

Eradicating phragmites is an important matter, and said time is of the essence to do so. 

“We’ve got to jump on the bandwagon and get rid of phragmites,” he said.

The Community Advocate Award went to Stephanie Pouget-Papak. That award went to the person who has tirelessly championed environmental causes and mobilized others toward action.

The Innovative Practitioner Award honours someone who has implemented creative or forward-thinking practices that significantly promote sustainability. The recipient of the award was Tony Morello.

The Youth Environmental Leader Award recognizes young people or a young person who has shown exceptional stewardship, inspiring peers and leading by example. The North Star High School Eco-Schools Club was the winner.

Chalet Studios Photography & Gardens was named the Small Business Champion. That award went to a small business that has embraced sustainable practices and made a measurable environmental impact.

The Corporate Sustainability Leader was Hazel Farms Group – Jack’s Organics. That award honours a larger corporation that demonstrates a comprehensive and long-standing commitment to sustainability.

The Eco-Innovator Award went to GrowLiv Biologicals. The criteria for that award saw it presented to a business that has developed innovative solutions – products, services, or practices – that reduce environmental impact.

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation captured the Community Partner Award. That recognizes a business that actively collaborates with the community on sustainability initiatives and environmental projects.

“We love the partnership we have with you,” ERCF chair Terry Patterson told town officials and members of the public Saturday afternoon.

The Essex County Field Naturalists Club was named Grassroots Initiative Leader award winner. That award celebrates a small or community-based organization making significant contributions through local environmental education or action.

The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) won the Advocacy Leader Award with that being an award going to an organization that has effectively championed environmental policy or raised awareness on key environmental issues.

The Amherstburg Horticultural Society captured the Collaborative Efforts Award. That went to an organization that has successfully partnered with others, whether it be businesses, governments or non-profits, to advance sustainability goals.

Society member Larry Amlin credited those with the society for their hard work and said they work hard to keep the town beautiful.

The Innovative Program Award went to Wings Rehabilitation Centre. It recognizes an organization that has created a unique program or initiative with measurable, positive environmental outcomes. Representatives thanked the town for the award, but also for the support of the community. 

Environmental Service Awards presented in "Year of the Tree"

By Ron Giofu