Nature Trust Supporters Recognized at the 2019 Eco-Hero Awards Gala
NATURE TRUST SUPPORTERS RECOGNIZED AT 2019
ECO-HERO GALA
WRITTEN BY: KELLY GREEN, COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT OFFICER AND KAELA NEIL, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
On Saturday, October 13, 2019, two long-time Nature Trust supporters and one Nature Trust staff member were celebrated at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s 50th Anniversary Eco-Hero Awards Gala.
The Nature Trust is extremely proud of Conserved Lands Manager Carli LeRoux, board member Michael McEwing, and Trustee Emeritus Lynn MacKinnon, who were all recipients of various Milton F. Gregg Awards, based on their work with the Nature Trust and other community work. We are delighted to share their award-winning stories and experiences that continue to inspire many with their passion and dedication.
Carli LeRoux, recipient of The Fresh Eyes Award
The Fresh Eyes Award is given to honor a newcomer to Canada who has seized opportunities to support the environmental movement
From an early age, growing up on a farm in South Africa, Carli knew she wanted to be a part of the conservation effort and help protect the natural landscape and the animals that depend upon these habitats. When she was 10 years old, she witnessed an unfortunate farming mishap that ended in the fatality of a leopard and she intuitively knew it could have been avoided given the right information and resources. This moment sparked her passion for conservation and ecology. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology, she continued to work on conservation projects where she learned that every single place is unique in its people, its wildlife, and its vegetation and each system has its own way to remain in balance.
In 2014, Carli moved to Canada and brought her experience and knowledge of large-scale conservation as well as a new perspective on working with landowners. She began volunteering with the Nature Trust, where her ability to lead and initiate projects was a recognizable asset, which she applied to the development of the Upper Saint John River Conservation Strategy. In 2015, joined the Nature Trust staff, first as Stewardship Assistant, before switching to Conservation Assistant.
Through her continuous landowner outreach work in the Upper and Lower Saint John River Conservation projects, as well as the Wood Turtle project, there is now a network of knowledgeable and conservation-minded landowners who are proudly conserving the riparian river ecosystem. This network will act as a refuge for threatened species and will protect ecosystem services along these rivers for the long-term. As of 2019, Carli has moved into the role of Conserved Lands Manager for Nature Trust and is passing on her skills and passion to the summer students and technicians.
Carli inspires many through her dedication to her work, her confidence, and her ability to explain conservation practices in understandable and relatable ways. It is a combination of her passion for conservation; her excitement on exploring each property as a unique piece of land; and, her dedication to finding the right solution that allows her to positively impact many lives, landowners and animals alike.
“Being nominated for this award is not something I would have ever anticipated, receiving it is an incredibly humbling experience. Receiving this award has strengthened my drive to work further in nature conservation wherever I go. I have been granted many experiences which have enriched my life here in New Brunswick and back in southern Africa, I will continue to seek out these experiences to broaden my horizons in life and in conservation.”
– Carli LeRoux
Lynn MacKinnon, recipient of the
Community Leadership Award
The Community Leadership Award is given to honor of one’s contribution to their community at the regional or provincial level.
Lynn has been involved with the Nature Trust since 1999, serving as Treasurer from 2001 to 2006, and moving to President and Past-President from 2012 to 2016. She has enhanced the quality of the organization with her positive attitude and ability to influence positive momentum for conservation within her community. Following her Past-President role, she has participated on the Nature Trust’s Executive Committee and has continued to be involved as a Trustee Emeritus. Her selfless dedication to the organization has seen her participate in many cleanups, public awareness events, conservation campaigns, and any other needs of the organization.
Lynn places a large value on strengthening her community through collaboration, positive encouragement, and open communication. She lends her hand to various non-profit organizations, working with the environment and other community programs. She is a leader within her community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those around her.
Lynn continues to be involved in the conservation efforts and events occurring around Charlotte County region and throughout New Brunswick. She continues to engage people and encourage them to get involved by sharing information, attending meetings, and encouraging land or financial donations to ensure that New Brunswick’s natural heritage is protected forever.
"I was initially very flattered and honoured that my name might be submitted for this award. I admire the work being done in conservation by so many in New Brunswick and it is so fulfilling to be a part of it. I have met so many wonderful people as a result of being involved with the Nature Trust of NB and our partners."
– Lynn MacKinnon
Michael McEwing, recipient of the
Art and the Environment Award
The Art and the Environment award is given to honor one’s use of their art in the promotion of environmental causes.
Michael McEwing is an artist, art educator, and environmentalist who has used his artistic talent and passion for teaching art to forge a connection between creativity in the arts and exploring the biodiversity and beauty of New Brunswick’s landscapes. He has been influential in his ability to connect creativity and art to conservation within his community.
His most recent accomplishment was the completion of the Conservation on Canvas, an art exhibit showcasing 33 Nature Trust nature preserves across New Brunswick. The project began in 2012 and was completed in 2018, ending with a Grand Tour gallery exhibit across the province. Through both the Conservation on Canvas exhibits and his own Art in Nature workshops in collaboration with the Nature Trust, Michael’s goal to spread the message of the importance of conserving New Brunswick’s biodiversity and express the beauty of our unique landscapes through art was achieved. The attendees of the Conservation on Canvas exhibition were inspired and moved by the act of the creation of such huge accomplishment, but also of what it represents—the collective work of volunteers, stewards, and donors to restore and protect these nature preserves
As an art educator, Michael inspires his students to become involved and learn about nature through art, and reversely learn artistic techniques by observing nature. Not only do the students learn about the nature, but Michael provides them with the tools to observe their surroundings through a different lens, the lens of a creative mind which can open to door for much exploration and discovery. The combination of reawakening the creative mindset and appreciating nature allows all student to celebrate the diversity and beauty within New Brunswick. That connection inspires the students to care for and cherish the natural landscape and protect it.
After the completion of the Conservation on Canvas project, Michael has continued to be involved with the Nature Trust as a steward and recently as a board member, involved in the Stewardship Committee. Michael continues to connect local schools in the Woodstock region to nearby nature preserves and find opportunities to combine art and environmental studies within the school system.
"It means a lot to me to have been nominated for this award. It serves as an encouragement to keep going with this work of creating art that advocates for the beautiful natural spaces that so many here in New Brunswick are working hard to conserve. As an educator, I also hope that this can inspire more young people to realize that artistic expression can indeed become a strong voice for communicating the importance of things that matter greatly--like our natural environment. I am thankful to the conservation organizations in New Brunswick for their worthy efforts, and this award only strengthens my resolve to continue to work alongside them."
– Michael McEwing
We are grateful to have such a close connection to these inspirational individuals. The Nature Trust extends a big thank you to Carli, Lynn, and Michael, for their hard work and dedication to our organization and for being great advocates for conservation. Congratulations on your well-deserved awards.
The Nature Trust congratulates all winners of the 2019 Milton F. Gregg Eco-Hero Awards.