A Foreword by Doug Draper
For more than two decades now, Niagara’s regional government has honoured individuals, groups and businesses that have gone out of their way to protect and preserve this region’s natural heritage.
Earl Plato of Fort Erie wins Niagara Region’s life-time achievement award for his environmental protection efforts.
This year, the region has done the same and has honoured Earl Plato, in particular, with its ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, and what a wonderful choice.Earl Plato, a Fort Erie, Ontario resident, a professional teacher, now retired and in his 80s, has devoted most of his adult life to his love of nature, and protecting it and sharing it with young and older across our region, alike. He has also been an advocate for preserving Marcy’s Woods, a rare gem of forest and dunes along the shores of Lake Erie. He is one of a number of individuals and other parties that have been honoured this June, at an awards evening for Niagara Region’s 23rd annual Environmental Awards.
This submission from Niagara’s regional government highlights all the 2012 award winners.
NIAGARA REGION, June 2012 – Niagara Region recognized Niagara’s top environmental contributors this June 13th at the presentation of the 23rd annual Environmental Awards.
The awards, the longest-running of their kind of any municipality in Ontario, honour individuals, non-profits, businesses, schools and families who have made significant contributions to protecting and improving Niagara’s natural resources.
E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Pelham made a strong showing at the awards, with science teacher Sharon Keller receiving the Voluntary Award for her efforts in organizing the school’s Environmental Activists Ready To Help (EARTH), who took home the Young People’s Award in the secondary school age category.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Earl Plato of Fort Erie for his ongoing efforts to document and share Niagara’s beautiful wildlife and scenery with its residents.
Other award recipients included:
• Young People Award, Elementary Age Category – Welland’s Quaker Road School Green Team for their innovation in creating outdoor classrooms
• Greenest Family in Niagara – Kim Story and her family for improving and promoting recycling programs in their community
• Green Non-profit in Niagara – Commonplace Eco-Village for its creation of an off-the-grid, environmentally friendly prototype home
• Green Business in Niagara – Walker Industries for its employee-driven EARTH 1st program
Regional Chair Gary Burroughs and other members of Regional Council presented the awards. “The protection, preservation and restoration of our environment are of the utmost importance for present and future Niagara residents,” said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. “This year’s award recipients have admirably advanced this noble cause, and it is with pride that we honour their achievements.”
To learn more about the awards, visit www.niagararegion.ca .
(You can share your views in the comment area below.)
Niagara At Large 
The Region got it right with giving an award to Earl Plato, I first met Earl when he taught school in Ridgeway back in 1971, or 1972 , The man has class and loves history and nature , his columns in the weekly paper are never dull, his love of the woods and birds, even skunks are infectious. Way to go Earl l!!!!!! Thank you Earl for educating me, about our glorious Niagara Region.
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