The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is honouring Peter Warner and his late wife Esther, the Conservationist of the Year Award.
Peter and Esther conserved forests, meadows, and wetlands, and cared for their property with strong values of environmental protection and wildlife habitat.
The Warners lived on a 60-acre property, Merrywood farms, in Grand Bend. In the past 25 years, they planted trees, created a managed forest plan, and hosted local students for environmental education.
In 2022, Peter planted over 7000 native species of trees on 15 acres of land, restoring it its natural forest conditions.
Nathan Schoelier, Stewardship, and Lands Manager said Peter and Esther conserved forests, meadows, and wetlands, caring for their property with strong values of environmental protection and wildlife habitat. “Peter and Esther Warner are very worthy winners of this award. They have embraced the principles of conservation for many years,” he said. “The Warners are conservationists who recognize the important role local landowners play in protecting and enhancing the watershed that they, and the community, rely upon.”
The Warners received scrolls of recognition from Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb; Lianne Rood, MP, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex; Hon. Monte McNaughton, MPP, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex; and Hon. Lisa M. Thompson, MPP, Huron-Bruce.
Written By: K. Close