Celebrating Nature’s Heroes: Nature Canada Unveils 2024 Conservation Award Winners

Unceded Algonquin Territory — Ottawa, ON | January 23, 2025

Nature Canada is proud to announce the winners of its 2024 annual awards, celebrating individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to nature conservation. These awards highlight the passion and dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect and restore the natural world. From inspiring youth and families to preserving bird habitats, this year’s recipients exemplify what it means to be champions for nature.

Charles Labatiuk Volunteer Award: Maggie Mileski, Ontario

Maggie Mileski has been recognized for her volunteer efforts that began at the young age of eight with the Haldimand Bird Observatory. Mentored in bird banding to track migration patterns, Maggie has since become a mentor herself, raising awareness about migrating birds through blogs and seasonal volunteer work. Her contributions extend beyond bird conservation, including her work with A Rocha’s youth programs, planting native species, organizing community fundraisers, and participating in local clean-up initiatives. Maggie’s unwavering dedication embodies the spirit of volunteerism and conservation.

Nature Canada Volunteer of the Year Award: Deborah Simpson, British Columbia

Deborah Simpson, a longtime volunteer for NatureKids BC, has spent over seven years connecting children, families, and newcomers to nearby nature through the NatureHood program. As the lead Volunteer Club Leader for the Vancouver Club of NatureKids BC, Deborah has organized over 100 Explorer Days, fostering a love for nature in the Lower Mainland. Her work includes mentoring other volunteers, building community connections, and leading initiatives like the “Wonders of the Salish Sea” event, which educates the public on the biodiversity of marine habitats. Deborah’s contributions are a testament to the power of community and environmental stewardship.

Conservation Partner of the Year Award: Bird Friendly Regina, Saskatchewan 

Bird Friendly Regina has been recognized for its impactful efforts in making the city of Regina a haven for wild birds. Through Nature Canada’s bird-friendly certification program, Regina has implemented policies such as a “no-roam” by-law for cats, preserved natural spaces like Wascana Centre, and engaged the community with educational initiatives like World Migratory Bird Day. Their collective efforts, supported by local organizations, have created a safer environment for the city’s 276 bird species.

Conservation Partner of the Year Award: Calgary Climate Hub, Alberta

The Calgary Climate Hub has demonstrated leadership in promoting tree equity, ensuring all communities have access to the benefits of trees and forests. Their achievements include developing a tree equity score, hosting workshops, and translating their tree-planting guide into multiple languages to increase accessibility. In 2024, the Hub planted a mini-forest in a neighbourhood with low tree canopy coverage, exemplifying the power of community-led action to combat climate change and promote urban greenery.

“These award winners remind us of the power of individuals and communities to protect and celebrate the natural world,” said Emily McMillan, Executive Director of Nature Canada. “Their work inspires all of us to take action for nature.”

For more information about the award winners and their incredible contributions, visit Nature Canada’s website.

Nature Canada is Canada’s voice for nature. For 85 years, Nature Canada has helped protect nearly 144 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and countless species. Today, Nature Canada represents a network of over 250,000 members and supporters and more than 1,200 nature organizations.

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For more information, contact:
Scott Mullenix
media@naturecanada.ca
613-366-4776