OTTAWA, March 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From coast to coast to coast, Canadians are finding many ways to engage and inspire others about the natural world and their connections to it. Since 2014, the Canadian Museum of Nature has celebrated the achievements of these innovative individuals, businesses and organizations through its Nature Inspiration Awards, which is now receiving nominations for the 2019 edition.
Previous nominees of this annual program have included youth or adults who initiate change through community action, teaching, and advocacy; not-for-profits that inspire children and adults through hands-on experiences with nature and the environment; leaders who mobilize people and shine a light on nature through creative endeavours and programs; and businesses that promote sustainable practices and support community outreach.
Guidelines and application forms are available at nature.ca/awards. The submission deadline is May 13, 2019 and a jury will select the winners from a shortlist in each of six categories. Nominations should stress specific projects that show leadership and innovation, rather than just an overview of an organisation’s mandate or an individual’s list of accomplishments. Each award includes $5,000, which recipients then “pay it forward” by donating the prize to another worthy cause or organization.
“We continue to be inspired by the many nature-focussed projects led by Canadians that inspire others, share knowledge, and create awareness about sustainable approaches for our future,” says Meg Beckel, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature. “Through this year’s awards, we look forward to honouring the people and organizations that are making a difference.”
There are six categories for the awards: youth (aged 17 and younger), adults (aged 18 and up), small-to-medium not-for-profit organizations; large not-for profits; small-to-medium businesses, and large businesses. A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be selected by the jury.
Nominations can come from a direct application by the individual or organization, or through a third party. Through brief essays and supporting documents (videos, photos, articles), applicants must demonstrate leadership, innovative practices and accomplishments for projects that encourage a positive and sustainable interaction with the natural world.
A gala to celebrate the finalists and announce the winners will be held November 13, 2019 at the Canadian Museum of Nature’s historic building in downtown Ottawa. The awards are supported by media partners The Walrus and the Globe and Mail, and category partner Ontario Power Generation (Not-for-Profits, small to medium).
For more information, email awards@mus-nature.ca.
Recipients of the 2018 Nature Inspiration Awards included:
- teenager Isabella O’Brien from Dundas, Ontario, for environmental advocacy and youth-science projects about ocean acidification;
- scientist and community activist Dr. Max Liboiron for research, community engagement, and new methods to reduce ocean plastics;
- FLAP Canada, for initiatives to reduce bird collisions with buildings;
- The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society for advocacy in nature conservation and the protection of public lands;
- Iqaluit-based publishing house Inhabit Media for stories about the land, animals and peoples of Canada’s North;
- The Plastic Bank from Vancouver for reducing ocean-plastic waste internationally and promoting community sustainability;
- CN Rail for focus on tree planting and community-greening initiatives across Canada;
- the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to wildlife biologist Dr. Dave Mossop from Whitehorse for four decades of leadership in species discovery and conservation;
Videos about each of the winners can be viewed at nature.ca.
About the Canadian Museum of Nature
Saving the world through evidence, knowledge and inspiration: The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature's past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a 14.6-million specimen collection, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, nature.ca.
Information for media:
Dan Smythe
Head, Media Relations, Canadian Museum of Nature
613.566.4781; 613.698.9253 (cell)
dsmythe@mus-nature.ca
John Swettenham
Director, Marketing and Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Nature
613.566.4249; 613.868.8277 (cell)
jswettenham@mus-nature.ca