February 28, 2024
For Immediate Release
UTRCA Recognizes City of Woodstock Parks Department and Environmental Leadership Program with 2024 Conservation Awards
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) presented Conservation Awards to the City of Woodstock Parks Department and Daniel Vanlieshout, Environmental Leadership Program Coordinator at Catholic Central High School, at the UTRCA Annual General Meeting on February 27, 2024.
Chris Kern and Reta Horan accepted the Community Award on behalf of the City of Woodstock Parks Department. The Community Award is presented to a community organization, municipality, or business that has undertaken significant conservation action that improves the local environment and encourages community action.
“We have partnered on countless projects through the years – naturalizing city parks, working on improving stormwater management ponds, building wetlands, building trails, and hosting community events,” said Brad Hertner, UTRCA Community Partnerships Coordinator, in the Community Award video presentation. “It’s a delicate balance that they achieve perfectly, by protecting those places while also giving access to Woodstock residents to enjoy those places.”
Left to right: Karen Winfield (UTRCA Planning and Regulations), Brian Connors (City of Woodstock), Reta Horan (City of Woodstock), Chris Kern (City of Woodstock), Mayor Brian Petrie (UTRCA Board of Directors, Chair, Town of Ingersoll), Councillor Mark Schadenberg (UTRCA Board of Directors, City of Woodstock)
The Inspiration Award was presented to Daniel Vanlieshout for his work as Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Coordinator at Catholic Central High School in London. The Inspiration Award recognizes a teacher, group, or school that, through their actions, projects, or programs, encourages residents to take an interest in the natural environment, create connections with nature, and contribute to its preservation.
For nearly two decades, Vanlieshout has led the ELP, guiding students to explore environmental issues and sustainable living through hands-on, outdoor experiences. “He has really created a whole generation of environmental stewards; kids that care about the environment, that are aware of environmental issues, and also have the skills and knowledge to take action in their own communities,” said Karlee Flear, UTRCA Community Education Coordinator, in the Inspiration Award video presentation.
Left to right: Karlee Flear (UTRCA Community Education), Daniel Vanlieshout (Catholic Central High School), Mayor Brian Petrie (UTRCA Board of Directors, Chair, Town of Ingersoll)
A third Conservation Award, the Kayla Berger Stewardship Award, will be presented at a later date to a watershed resident with passion and understanding of the conservation needs in their area.
Media Contact: Amy Bumbacco, Communications and Marketing Specialist