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: 

2024 Allyn Abbott

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 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!

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:

2024 Laurel Turansky

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 2024 was "PLAY". The winner is Odin Robinson.  Congratulations Odin!