Annual Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award Presented

Tillsonburg’s Paul DeCloet recognized for his substantial contributions to environmental sustainability.

Long Point Region Conservation Authority proudly presented Tillsonburg’s Paul DeCloet with the annual Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award at the Authority’s April board meeting on Wednesday, April 6. Paul was nominated and selected for the award due to his extensive contributions to conservation and environmental sustainability within the Long Point Region watershed.

Paul was nominated by Kristen Bernard of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, who highlighted his passion for the outdoors, decades of volunteer work, willingness to share his expertise and community land donations as clear examples of promoting and upholding environmental sustainability in the region.

An active volunteer with the local Lions Club, Paul has coordinated and participated in numerous tree planting projects. Ever dedicated to ensuring that the community is able to enjoy the outdoors and reap the benefits of a healthy watershed, Paul has recently donated a forested property to Norfolk County who will be maintaining the land with public access to the walking trails.

Paul is a familiar face at the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, not only because of his coordination of tree planting projects but because he served on the Authority’s Board of Directors from 1987 through 1997, taking on the role of Board Chair from 1993 to 1996.

“Conserving our environmental resources is a collaborative endeavor,” says John Scholten, Chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors. “Conservation Authorities are not alone in the effort to protect the environmental wellbeing of our watershed. Much of the planting and restoration work we do is only possible thanks to people like Paul and we are all the better for his gracious and inspiring willingness to share his knowledge and care for our environment.”

In his acceptance speech, Paul spoke to how positive an experience donating the forest property to Norfolk County has been. “I feel just as happy about it today as I did the day I gave it,” he said. “In fact, more so because I know many people are using it for what I wanted it to be. It has literally been a joy for me, what I do. And this honour that I receive here today from this Board makes everything just a little bit more meaningful than yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Image: Chair of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Board, John Scholten (left) presents Paul DeCloet with the 2021 Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award [Wednesday, April 6, 2022].

About the Conservation Stewardship Award

The Long Point Region Conservation Stewardship Award is presented annually by Long Point Region Conservation Authority as a means to recognize excellence in conservation within the Long Point Region watershed. For information on eligibility and the nomination process, visit lprca.on.ca/conservation-stewardship-award.