The Wayland Drew Award

This award recognizes individuals who exemplify environmental leadership by promoting stewardship, conservation, environmental education or awareness of Muskoka’s natural heritage.

Wayland Drew (1932-1998) was a teacher, author, and a passionate advocate for the preservation of wilderness. The driving force behind Earth Day activities, environmental conferences and heritage projects, Drew earned the respect of his peers both locally and in the wider environmental community. In 1991 he received the Lieutenant Governor’s Conservation Award for his lifelong work on behalf of the environment.

Recent Recipients: 

2023 Christina Hunter

2022 Jan McDonnell

2021 Bill Dickinson

2020 Jeff Miller

2019 Michael Silver

2016 Ron Tozer

2015 Ken Black

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The Charlie Esson Stewardship Bursary

This award annually assists a student in achieving post-secondary school academic qualifications in Natural Sciences (Biology, Environmental Studies, Forestry) or related technologies (Wildlife, Environmental Engineering).

Charlie Esson (1916-2009) immigrated to Canada when he was four, and by all accounts was an extremely active and impulsive child who was difficult to keep indoors regardless of the weather. Later in life he bought 400 acres of scrub bush in the Lake of Bays area where he spent time camping and fishing. Charlie believed in building for the future, and he educated himself on good forest management practices and over 50 years transformed the bush into a prime woodlot.

The 2022 recipient is Jaylene Stewart. Jaylene is graduating from Huntsville Highschool and headed to Carleton University in Ottawa for Physical Geography. Jaylene’s educators described her as exceptional at balancing her high grades and extra-curriculars. Her passion for environmental science is clear to her educators, who have no doubt she will excel in this field as she has achieved top of the class in multiple courses. When she has free time, she continues to hike, canoe and camp and has volunteered at a Day Camp, where she led hikes, canoe trips and outdoor activities for children. Congratulations Jaylene!

Download Application 2024

The Michael Foster Photography Award

This award is presented annually to the photographer whose image best represents Muskoka’s natural or built heritage in a way that demonstrates the beauty of the area.

Michael Foster (1943-2013) was a professional photographer and artist who took great pleasure in the visual arts, music and canoeing. His other great passion was nature and he was actively involved in Muskoka Conservancy in order to preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations. He and his spouse, Lola Bratty, donated an ecologically sensitive property to the Muskoka Conservancy in 2012.

Recent recipients:

2023 Tammy Nash

2022 Kayley Amo

2021 Christine Andrews

2020 Janet Butler

2019 Janet Butler

2018 Doug Smith

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The Little Sprouts Eco Club Photography Award

A second photo award was created in 2021 for our Little Sprouts Eco Club. The theme for 2023 was "The Forest is Alive" The winner is Nora Nilsen.  Congratulation Nora!