The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) recently handed out the latest of its Decade Awards.
These awards, celebrating the ABCA's 80th anniversary in 2026, recognize the work of local land trusts stewarding the gifts of generous and forward-thinking donors. This is the eighth of nine awards the ABCA is presenting this year.
This latest award was for the 2010s, and recipients included the Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT), Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC), Lambton Wildlife Inc. (LWI) and Nature Conservancy of Canada. A ceremony to announce the award was held, on Tuesday, September 15 at TTLT’s Joany’s Woods property.
Land trusts are non-profit, charitable organizations that acquire land or interests in land, like conservation easements, for the purpose of conservation, access to nature, and community connection. They protect and care for these lands and conservation easements for future generations.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has honoured, with ABCA 80th anniversary (1946-2026) Decade Awards, the following recipients:
1940s – Member municipalities, recognizing their foresight in forming Ontario’s first conservation authority and for their continued partnership.
1950s – Ontario Parks – For establishing and stewarding Pinery Provincial Park.
1960s – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (formerly Department of Lands and Forests) for a lasting local legacy of reforestation especially through the Agreement Forest Program.
1970s – Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation – For six decades of work, supporting projects in the watershed community since ABCF was formed in 1974.
1980s – Local community service groups, recognizing decades of strong partnerships in our watershed communities.
1990s – Innovators for soil health – Recognizing agricultural stewards and innovators in soil health and conservation tillage.
2000s – Local Trail Groups – Recognizing the dedicated efforts of community trail groups to provide opportunities to experience the great outdoors.
2010s – Local Land Trusts, recognizing their work in stewarding the gifts of generous donors.
ABCA will present the ninth of nine Decade Awards, for the 2020s, later this year.
