New Brunswick’s eco-heroes to be celebrated this Saturday

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick (CCNB) will present its annual Milton F. Gregg Conservation Awards in Fredericton Saturday night at the Spring into Action fundraiser to be held at the Crowne Plaza.

The award for lifelong achievement will be presented to Robena Weatherley from Cambridge-Narrows.  Elizabeth McLaughlin of Moncton will receive the award for environmental activism.  Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis will be recognized for its organizational achievement and Hampton-based Dave’s Produce Packs will receive the business achievement award.

Gregg Conservation Award winners are selected by CCNB’s Board of Directors from nominations submitted by their membership. The Milton F. Gregg Conservation Awards have been presented annually by CCNB since 1981.

Tickets to the event are available from the Conservation Council at 180 St. John St, Fredericton, 458-8747, info@conservationcouncil.ca or can be purchased at Westminster Books and True Food Organics.

Lifetime Achievement – Robena Weatherley, Cambridge-Narrows

Robena is a forest ecologist by training, one of the first women in that field.  Robena and her husband Alan are the driving forces behind the Washademoak Environmentalists, a group committed to preserving the Lake, and the Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association.   Robena has undertaken scientific studies of the watershed , and successfully tackled  siltation caused by bad forestry practices and shoreline erosion from home and cottage developments.  

Environmental Activism – Elizabeth (Beth) McLaughlin, Moncton

Elizabeth McLaughlin, who worked as a teacher for years, is an effective environmental organizer and motivator.  She organized opposition to the Jaakko Poyry forestry recommendations and has worked tirelessly to make people aware of the dangers of nuclear power.  Beth is passionate about building sustainable communities and operates a business with this focus.

Organizational Achievement – Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis

The 60-plus member Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis have been fighting for justice in their community where 40 families lost their drinking water and many have suffered property as a result of industrial activity in the area.  Potash mining and natural gas production both occur within the community.   The group has conducted research, media interviews, public outreach, meetings with government officials, tours for politicians, and intervened in public tribunals on behalf of their community.

Business Achievement – Dave’s Produce Packs, Hampton area

Situated on the outskirts of Hampton,  along the Kennebecasis River,  Dave’s Produce Packs provides one hundred plus families in the greater Saint John area with fresh, local, organic produce on a weekly basis.  Dave Wolpin, Sydney Bliss, Dan Aurell and Alex Thomas are the team of eco-conscious market gardeners  who operate this business enterprise which also provides local fruits, free range eggs, and locally baked bread to their customers.