Nominations open for Caledon's Environmentalist of the Year for 2008

The Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) is seeking nominations from the public for the 2008 Environmentalist of the Year Award.

The due date for nominations is March 14.

"CEAC's Environmentalist of the Year award encourages environmental stewardship across Caledon and provides recognition for outstanding community efforts," said Mayor Marolyn Morrison.

CEAC grants the award to a Caledon resident, business or organization that has made a significant effort to protect, enhance or restore the natural heritage of Caledon. The Environmentalist of the Year receives a certificate at the Town of Caledon's annual Volunteer and Citizen Achievement Awards event in April. Their name is also added to the commemorative rock in the CEAC Stewardship Grove on the Trans-Canada Trail in Caledon East.

The Environmentalist of the Year has the honour of directing a $500 Annual Environmentalism Recognition Award (AERA) to a Caledon-based environmental stewardship project. The 2007 Environmentalist of the Year, the late John Gilbert, directed the AERA to the Caledon Countryside Alliance's Eat Local initiative.

Since the program commenced, the Environmentalists of the Year have been John Gilbert (2007), Bolton and District Horticultural Society (2006), Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association (2005), Nicola Ross (2004), Linda Pim (2003), Dave Smith (2002), Steven Waring (2001), Healthy Lawns Healthy People (2000), William Sheard (1999), Richard Ehrlich (1998) and Robert Schad (1997).

Nominees for the award must meet the following criteria: • Must be one of: a Caledon resident, a Caledon-based organization or own/work in a Caledon business. • Have contributed to the protection and improvement of the environment in Caledon. • Have promoted innovative approaches to the sustainable use and management of natural resources. • Have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the health of the environment. • Be an active volunteer and/or leader in community environmental initiatives. • Be a community environmental "hero."

Nominations must include the nominee's name, address and phone number, a description of their achievements, and how they meet the criteria.

Submit a nomination by March 14 to Todd Salter at the Town of Caledon by mail (6311 Old Church Rd., Caledon, ON L7E 1J6), em ail (todd.salter@caledon.ca) or fax to (905) 584-4325.