Horticultural society will be Environmentalist of Year

March 13, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The Bolton and District Horticultural Society are about to get a big boost to their efforts.
It was announced last week that the group is being named Caledon’s Environmentalist of the Year.
The selection was made by the Caledon’s Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC), and announced at last week’s meeting of Caledon council.
Society Chair Brenda Heenan was excited by the news.
“That’s very exciting for the Society,” she remarked. “We’ve worked hard for the community for many years.”
The work of the society has included, over the years, numerous plantings along the Humber River watershed. Heenan pointed out a lot of trees in the area have been lost to beavers, so the replacement of these trees is important to helping preserve the water quality in the river.
She added the Society has been a great source for people interested in learning more about best practices in their gardens.
“It’s not just what we do in public spaces,” she observed. “It’s encouraging people to do what they can in private spaces.”
As well, Heenan said the Society brings in guest speakers who focus on topics like the environment and invasive species.
“The Society is very devoted to publicizing the environment,” she said. “We put our feet on the ground and do what we have to do.”
Since its inception in 1995, the Society has partnered with other local volunteer groups, industries, clubs, associations, government bodies and non-profit organizations in initiating, providing leadership and financing to 15 environmental projects in Caledon, according to a statement issued by the Town. During this time, they have planted approximately 2,500 native trees and shrubs, and 2,000 wildflowers.
“Congratulations to the members of the Bolton and District Horticultural Society for their work in Caledon over the past 18 years,” said Mayor Marolyn Morrison. “The Society’s obvious commitment to Caledon and their success in revitalizing and protecting our natural areas while working to educate residents is most deserving of this Environmentalist of the Year recognition.”
The award will be presented at the Town’s Volunteer and Citizen Achievement Awards ceremony April 22. The Society will be inducted into the CEAC Stewardship Grove on the Trans-Canada Trail in Caledon East June 26.
Additionally, the Society will be given the honour of directing a $500 Annual Environmentalism Recognition Award to a favourite Caledon-based environmental stewardship project.