A Bradford man was named one of two watershed heroes for making
a positive difference to the environment.
Matt Stergiou was presented with the Ernie Crossland Young Conversationist
Award for taking a leadership role in environmental and conversation
projects.
The award was presented at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority’s awards gala Nov. 1.
The award, which recognizes the importance of youth engaged in
conservation efforts, is one of two top awards given by the authority.
Mr. Stergiou was chosen for his commitment to promoting environmental
causes, including making a climate change presentation to more
than 5,000 students, serving as an environmental defense youth
reporter, advocating for reusable water bottles and organizing
a school eco-gala.
Each year, the LSRCA honours individuals, businesses or groups
that are making small changes that add up to big differences.
These individuals and groups demonstrate that we can find a true
sense of balance where people can be satisfied without sacrificing
our natural environment, East Gwillimbury Mayor and LSRCA chairperson,
Virginia Hackson said.
Twenty-nine awards were handed out, including a conservation
award of merit, volunteer recognition, soil conservation, water
conservation, education and media recognition.
Four other Bradford residents also received awards.
Soil conservation awards went to Martin and Maria Bonigut for
planting 700 native shrubs and 350 live stakes on farm property.
Jim Craigmyle was recognized for wetland cleanup and planting
235 native trees.
And it was a winning week for worms, since Cathy Nesbitt is a
self described worm advocate and founder of Cathy’s Crawly
Composters.
She was recognized for her work with students and adults regarding
vermicomposting and waste reduction, receiving one of four LSRCA
education awards.
Every recipient was credited with walking the environmental talk
and working toward a common goal of conservation.
Award nominations were based on projects completed between August
2011 and July 2012.
Ms. Nesbitt, a highly energetic environmentalist, innovator
and motivational mentor also snagged the Entrepreneur of the Year
award at the East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Success
gala on November 2.
Many more people are aware of the benefits of red wiggler worms
and their ever-increasing role as a result of Ms. Nesbitt’s
work.
A flurry of activity on Twitter resulted in a trip to Guatemala
where 6 different impoverished women’s groups are now working
with worms to improve their lives, Ms. Nesbitt said.
While many municipalities have introduced organic collection
programs, and regular composting is already widespread, vermicomposting
is a great alternative for use in commercial and multi-residential
buildings. She added.
“The solution to the garbage crisis is several solutions,
one of which is worm composting. Worms convert food scraps and
paper into nature’s finest fertilizer known as castings.
Feed the soil not the plant.”
Ms. Nesbitt has operated her business for a decade and has found
education is the best weapon against those who might be squeamish
about wiggling with worms for the sake of the environment.
She has sold thousands of pounds of Red Wigglers worms over
the years and some 2,000 worm bin composters.
She estimates that over 50,000 or so students have seen her
school presentations and have attended worm-themed birthday parties
that she hosts.
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