The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Conservation Awards, which honour individuals, organizations, and municipalities making a meaningful environmental impact across the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.
“We continue to witness remarkable community commitment to environmental stewardship,” says Danielle Breault Stuebing, Director of Communications & Outreach Services. “From tree planting and habitat restoration to litter clean-ups, volunteers and partners are making a real difference in our local watershed region.”
These annual awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to protect and enhance our natural environment. Past recipients have created forests and monarch habitats, led large-scale restoration projects, and inspired others through conservation education.
“In a time of growing concern about the global environment, it’s more important than ever to recognize those taking local action,” adds Breault Stuebing.
Nominations are invited in the following four categories:
Youth Conservation Award – For a student in elementary or secondary school who has demonstrated leadership in conservation projects.
Education Award– For excellence in educating and engaging others about environmental issues and initiatives.
Volunteer Award – For outstanding contributions of time and service to conservation programs and projects.
Environmental Achievement Award – For impactful programs or projects that have significantly enhanced regional sustainability. Municipalities are also eligible for nomination in this category.
How to Nominate
Nominations can be submitted online at https://essexregionconservation.ca/awards , or by providing a one-page summary outlining the nominee’s accomplishments. Be sure to include:
- Award category
- Nominee’s name, address, and phone number
- Your name, address, and phone number
Deadline for nominations: Friday, December 12, 2025
Award recipients will be announced at ERCA’s Annual General Meeting in January 2026.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario in 1973 and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has delivered programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.