This year’s Prince Edward Island Environmental Award winners were announced this morning in Charlottetown, said Minister of Communities, Land and Environment Robert Mitchell.
“There is a lot of great environmental work being done across Prince Edward Island and it is important we take the time to recognize and celebrate these efforts,” said Minister Mitchell. “Our department’s annual Environmental Awards allow us the opportunity to thank individuals, organizations and schools for making our province a better place to live. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations to the Environmental Advisory Council.”
Award nominations are submitted to three categories: groups, individuals and schools. The winner of this year’s individual award is Ms. Lilly Hickox of Stratford. Lilly is a Grade 11 student at Charlottetown Rural High School (CHRS) who is a key member of the school’s Envirothon Team, a founding member of the CRHS Green Club, a volunteer with the Sierra Club and a member of Model UN where she skillfully applies her environmental knowledge.
The organization category award was presented to the Farmers of Barclay Brook with special recognition to Bill MacKendrick for the collaborative project undertaken by farmers, industry and government for the betterment of the environment. The Barclay Brook is an important fish nursing area for the Trout River Watershed and this group worked together to ensure this vulnerable area is protected.
This year’s winning school is West Kent Elementary School. West Kent staff and students are continuously placing focus on preserving and protecting the environment. Among the schools efforts are participation in the IWMC Plastic Grab Bag Challenge, collection of recyclables to raise funds to donate to the CBC turkey drive, several garden projects, the collection of recycled materials for art projects, tree planting and the adoption of a bald eagle.
Nominations are assessed by a selection committee composed of members of the Environmental Advisory Council. To learn more about the Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards, please visit www.gov.pe.ca/environment.