The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has recently presented its Anniversary Decade Awards for the 2000s.
According to ABCA, this latest decade award, which is the seventh of nine total awards, was given to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, Lambton Shores Nature Trails, Friends of South Huron Trail, and Friends of North Middlesex Trails.
These awards celebrate the conservation authority’s 80th anniversary this year, marking its official establishment in 1946.
The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge the efforts of local community groups in creating, improving, and maintaining trails. The care and upkeep of trails within Ausable Bayfield watersheds is made possible through a strong local collaboration between ABCA and trail groups along with generous donors and landowners.
The decade awards for the 2000s were presented on Tuesday, August 25 at the Varna Nature Trail managed by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.
“We’re fortunate to have access to nature trails across the whole watershed,” said Nathan Schoelier, Acting General Manager at ABCA. “These are places where people can connect with the environment and with each other. These trails are a reflection of community spirit in the watershed and are supported and maintained by dedicated volunteers.”
The awards that have been given out prior to those for the 2000s are as follows:
1940s – Member municipalities, for vision in forming Ontario’s first conservation authority and for continued partnership in the decades that have followed.
1950s – Ontario Parks – For establishing and stewarding Pinery Provincial Park.
1960s – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (formerly Department of Lands and Forests) for a lasting local legacy of reforestation.
1970s – Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation – For work in the community since ABCF was formed in 1974.
1980s – Local community service groups, recognizing decades of strong partnerships in our watershed communities.
1990s – Innovators for soil.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers with these trail groups and everyone who supports these trails with donations,” said Ray Chartrand, Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors. “These valuable community assets are available for public use because of the community, because of the volunteers, and because of the generous donors.”
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