This morning at Kinkora Regional High School we announced this year’s Prince Edward Island Environmental Award winners, said Minister of Communities, Land and Environment Robert Mitchell.
“The P.E.I. Environmental Awards are an opportunity for us to recognize the great work being done to protect, enhance and conserve our environment,” said Minister Mitchell. “This year’s recipients are incredibly impressive Islanders who are taking it upon themselves to better our province’s environmental health. Their efforts are directly improving the lives of all Islanders.”
Award nominations are submitted to three categories: groups, individuals and students. The winners of this year’s awards are the Eastern Kings Community Council, Joyce MacKay of Kensington and the students and staff of Kinkora Regional High School.
Eastern Kings Community Council received the award for many reasons including its strong environmental vision set forth in their official planning, and for increasing their buffer zones from 15 to 60 metres within four of their watersheds.
Joyce MacKay of Kensington received recognition for her substantial donation of forested land for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations of Islanders. In 2014, she donated 123 acres of woodland in Indian River as an Eco-Gift to the Island Nature Trust. MacKay has been a life-long champion for conservation on Prince Edward Island – continually investing in and promoting soil conservation projects.
The students and staff of Kinkora Regional High School have worked hard to earn a P.E.I. Environmental Award. The school is home to the Academy Diploma Program in Agriculture in which students plant trees, tour wildlife areas, learn about wind energy, raise money to purchase school gardens in Africa, participate in a school yard clean-up, host no litter lunch days, grow small-scale agriculture crops, grow and provide vegetables to the cafeteria, among many other initiatives.
“Congratulations to the 2015 award recipients – it is a great feeling to know there are so many Islanders out there who are passionate about our environment,” said Mitchell.
To learn more about the Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards, please visit: www.gov.pe.ca/environment.