Diane Griffin Community Conservation Award

In 2022, WHC announced the creation of the Diane Griffin Community Conservation Award. This award will be presented annually to the organization that most exceeds WHC’s expectations through their Community Conservation Action Program project.

With the success of the 3-year Community Conservation Action Program (CCAP) pilot, WHC has developed the Diane Griffin Community Conservation Award, to be presented annually to one CCAP project. The organization with the most innovative and impactful project per grant year will be the recipient of this award.

Basic Information

  • Based within the Community Conservation Action Program at WHC.
  • Granted one time per grant year to one organization.
  • Decision is at the discretion of WHC Staff.

Eligibility

  • An organization that has been approved for funding in the current fiscal year.
  • All project results must have been executed and expectations of delivery and achievements are exceeded.
  • Must not have been the recipient of the award the previous year.

Qualifiers for this Award

  • Project activities were very relevant to CCAP objectives: Connecting Canadians to Nature, Engaging Youth in Conservation and/or Providing Educational Conservation Programming
  • Project was representative of WHC’s Strategic Plan:
    • Provide/administer grants to fund wildlife habitat conservation.
    • Leverage delivery of WHC objectives by working with conservation partners.
    • Promote participation in nature conservation.
    • Enhance WHC’s effectiveness and recognition as a national conservation leader.
  • The project exceeded WHC’s expectations in delivering an innovative conservation program
    • This could include new methods of connecting people to nature, innovative programs for youth, the use of new conservation technologies/strategies, etc.
    • New ways of engaging people that go beyond the typical conservation project.
  • Project made a recognizable impact on the community surrounding them which will continue to be beneficial for years to come.

Naming the Award

Wildlife Habitat Canada is proud to name the Community Conservation Award after the Honourable Senator Diane Griffin. This award is integral in engaging Canadians in conservation and stewardship at the grass-roots level.

Senator Griffin is a lifelong and passionate Canadian conservationist from Prince Edward Island who was named to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Griffin is a former provincial deputy minister of environmental resources and a recipient of the Governor General’s Conservation Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the P.E.I. Environment Award for her incredible dedication and work to protect nature. She also served as executive director of the Island Nature Trust and is a published author, writing the book Atlantic Wildflowers, which showcases 129 species of flowering plants found throughout Atlantic Canada.

Along with her extensive work in conservation, Griffin proposed and passed Bill S-236, the Recognition of Charlottetown as the birthplace of Confederation Act. Senator Griffin has also focused on championing literacy and helped to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program to P.E.I. where it has greatly surpassed its goals.

Senator Griffin encourages Canadians of all ages to explore nature and take action in ways that make sense in our homes and hearts, acknowledging that “what we do in our individual homes and communities is going to be significant for the conservation of Canada’s natural resources.”

The Diane Griffin Community Conservation Award will recognize Canadian conservation projects that embody the same passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to conserving Canadian wildlife habitat as Diane has shown throughout her impressive career.

“We all need peace and quiet, beautiful natural places to be our touchstones and to replenish our souls. A walk in nature does that for me. Also, just knowing we have natural places and wildlife is satisfying”.

– Senator Diane Griffin

Presentation of award by Senator Diane Griffin to BBEMA staff. L-R: Sara Jenkens (project Coordinator), Bonnie Rogerson (President, Board of Directors), Tracy Brown (Executive Director), Senator Diane Griffin.

2023-2024 Recipient

WHC would like to congratulate  Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association (BBEMA), the recipient of the Diane Griffin Community Conservation Award for their 2023-2024 RAIN Smart Youth Campaign Project!

The RAIN Smart Youth Campaign Project focuses on educating youth about critical water resources, emphasizing watersheds, stormwater runoff issues, and rainwater conservation to protect aquatic habitats. Building youth stewardship through hands on scientific workshops that highlight awareness and action, providing youth with diverse educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom.
By learning outdoors and applying their knowledge in a hands-on environment, these young people can develop a deeper connection with the natural world.

WHC has been funding projects nationally for more than 40 years and over time we started to recognize the need for support in the field of local, hands-on, community-based conservation. These projects have a vital role in protecting the environment. Partnering with organizations like BBEMA allows WHC to invest in the people who are going to make positive environmental change and support those human connections to nature.

To learn more about BBEMA, click bbema.ca

Wildsight’s Executive Director Robyn Duncan and Education Coordinator Jill Jennings.

2022-2023 Recipient

WHC would like to congratulate Wildsight, the first recipient of the Diane Griffin Community Conservation Award for its 2022-2023 EcoStewards program!

Wildsight’s EcoStewards program has exceeded WHC’s expectations in connecting Canadians to nature by bringing people outdoors and facilitating participation in conservation. The impact of this program has been felt by students, teachers, school staff and the community.

By offering a student- and teacher-led program, Wildsight was able to tap into the environmental concerns of the local area and students, while targeting the young minds who will guide the future of conservation in an interactive and memorable way.

WHC has been funding projects at a national level for over 40 years, and over time we have begun to recognize the need for support in local, hands-on, community-based conservation. These projects play an essential role in protecting the environment. Partnering with organizations such as Wildsight enables WHC to invest in people who will bring positive change to the environment and sustain the links between man and nature.

To find out more about Wildsight, visit wildsight.ca.

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