Do you know an individual, group or business who has committed their time and energy to improving the environment in Hamilton? Why not nominate them for a 2008 Environmentalists of the Year Award?

During Environment Week each year, residents are honoured for their contribution to protecting and enhancing the environment in the City of Hamilton. 2009 marks the 30th year Hamilton’s Environmentalists of the Year Awards have been presented.

The awards are sponsored by the Conserver Society of Hamilton and District, the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Bay Area Restoration Council, Environment Hamilton, the United Nations Association in Canada-Hamilton Branch, Friends of Red Hill Valley, the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club and Royal Botanical Gardens.

Past recipients include Dr. Victor Cecilioni, Dr. Ray Lowes, Gil Simmons, Dr. Jack Vallentyne, Don McLean, Dr. Lynda Lukasik, Ian Reid, Dr. Brian McCarry, Dr. Mark Sproule-Jones and Alison Healing.

Award of merit

Individuals, groups or businesses can be nominated for the Dr. Victor Cecilioni Environmentalist of the Year Award, or an Award of Merit.

In addition, the Student Bursary for Environmental Conservation is presented annually by the Hamilton Conservation Foundation.

All of these awards recognize outstanding contribution to environmental activity and leadership in Hamilton. Nominees must have made their contribution in the City of Hamilton, or have had a significant connection to the city. A panel of judges will consider the nature of the environmental activities undertaken by each nominee and the resulting achievements, using materials submitted to support the nomination package.

Nomination forms are available at www.eoyawards.org or by calling 905-547-5116 or e-mailing john.struger@sympatico.ca .

Nominations must be postmarked by March 31.

The awards will be presented at the 30th Annual Environmentalists of the Year Awards Dinner at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre on Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton at 5:45 p. m. on Wednesday June 3.