Community service groups honoured
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority recognizes local community service groups with Decade Award
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority honours local community service groups with Decade Award, on July 30, 2026, date of ABCA’s 80th anniversary
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has honoured local community service groups, in recognition of decades of strong partnerships in watershed communities, with a Decade Award. ABCA held an award announcement ceremony, for the 1980s decade and onwards, on July 30, 2026. The July 30th date is the 80th anniversary date for the local conservation authority’s creation by Order in Council.
David Marsh is Vice Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors.
“Community partnerships are central to what we do,” he said. “When we protect watershed resources or enhance habitat or build accessible trails or complete other beneficial conservation initiatives, we are able to do it thanks to the community and thanks to partnerships. Through this award, we want to thank all our watershed service organizations and their volunteers. We also want to make special mention, at this ceremony, of a few service clubs, in particular, that have longstanding continued conservation partnerships.”
ABCA is presenting Decade Awards, during ABCA’s 80th anniversary year (2026), to honour deserving recipients for each decade of the conservation authority’s history (1946-2026).
The Decade Award, for the 1980s, was presented in a brief ceremony at Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre in Rock Glen Conservation Area, Arkona.
One notable example of a partnership with community service organizations is the Arkona Lions Club. The Lions Club and ABCA worked together to create Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre, which was constructed in 1985.
Another example of a partnership with community groups is the Conservation Auction fundraiser between Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and Exeter Lions Club. The Conservation Auction, dating back to 1990, has raised more than $1.456 million, for the community, since its beginnings. Exeter Lions and the Conservation Foundation also partner to stock Rainbow Trout in Morrison Reservoir for an annual family-friendly fishing derby.
The Rotary Club of Grand Bend has partnered with Ausable Bayfield Conservation on many projects over the years that improve habitat, water quality, and outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has also worked closely on community projects with many other community groups and service organizations throughout the watershed and the Decade Award acknowledges their important work to the benefit of all.
ABCA previously honoured, with Decades Awards, the following recipients:
1. 1940s – Member municipalities, for vision in forming Ontario’s first conservation authority and for continued partnership.
2. 1950s – Ontario Parks – For establishing and stewarding Pinery Provincial Park.
3. 1960s – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (formerly Department of Lands and Forests) for a lasting legacy of reforestation in Ontario.
4. 1970s – Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation – For work in the community since ABCF was formed in 1974.
ABCA plans to continue to honour more recipients in the coming months of the 80th anniversary year (2026) for each decade of its history.
PHOTO CUTLINE/CAPTION:
AUSABLE BAYFIELD CONSERVATION HONOURS LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS WITH DECADE AWARD – Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) honoured the contributions of local community service organizations with a Decade Award on the ABCA's 80th anniversary date (July 30, 2026). ABCA made special mention of longstanding partnerships, of many decades, with Arkona Lions Club; Exeter Lions Club; and Rotary Club of Grand Bend, from the 1980s and onwards. The announcement and presentation ceremony took place at Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre at Rock Glen Conservation Area. Shown in photo, from left to right, are: Glenn Stott, Arkona Lions Club; Paul Turnbull, Rotary Club of Grand Bend, active member and a Past President; Adam Wisniewski, Arkona Lions Club, Assistant Curator at the museum; David Marsh, Vice Chair, ABCA Board of Directors; Paul Anstett, Exeter Lions Club; Cliff Ryan, Arkona Lions Club; and Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Acting General Manager..