The Muskoka Conservancy Bursary

The Michael Foster Photography Award

The Michael Foster Photography Award is presented annually to the photographer whose image best represents Muskoka’s natural heritage in a way that demonstrates the beauty of the area. The theme for 2026 is "HARMONY". 

Congratulations to award recipient Henry Gage, whose captured this incredible photo, titled "Fuelling Up", of a hummingbird clearwing moth feeding in mid-flight in Gravenhurst in the summer of 2025.

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.

Past Recipients 

2025 Margaret McLaren

2024 Allyn Abbott

2023 Christina Hunter

2022 Jan McDonnell

2021 Bill Dickinson

2020 Jeff Miller

2019 Michael Silver

2016 Ron Tozer

2015 Ken Black

The Little Sprouts Eco Club Photography Award — On Hiatus

A second photo award was created in 2021 for our Little Sprouts Eco Club. This award is on hiatus. The theme for 2024 was "PLAY". The winner is Odin Robinson.  Congratulations Odin!

The Charlie Esson Stewardship Bursary - Ended in 2024

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 2024 co-recipients are Will Lockhart and Zachary Caplan.

Will is currently attending the University of Guelph for Environmental Sciences. Will is described as an outdoor enthusiast who is passionate and dedicated to learning more about nature. Many of Will's hobbies include being outdoors such as birding, botany and fishing.

Zachary is also headed to the University of Guelph to pursue academics in the Environmental Science Field. His educators describe him as hard working and dedicated to preserving natural environments. Zach spends his free time playing sports and improving his computer science skills.

Congratulations Will and Zachary!