A volunteer who has spent the last 17 years helping the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) protect the environment has been awarded a special honour.
William Lyons was presented the conservation authority's Kayla Berger Stewardship Award earlier this week. The award, named after a UTRCA staff member who died suddenly in 2019, is given to a watershed resident who has demonstrated a passion for environmental conservation and exceptional stewardship in protecting the land.
UTRCA Species at Risk Biologist Scott Gillingwater nominated Lyons for his long-term dedication to the species at risk program.
“In 2007, Will worked with me, and every year after, he has volunteered his time to help out with a number of environmental programs and, specifically, the species at risk program…. Will has assisted with not only mark and recapture of reptiles at risk, but also… our [turtle] egg and nest protection program,” Gillingwater said in a video presentation at the recent Board of Directors meeting.
Gillingwater also noted that Lyons has been with the program for such a lengthy period that eggs he found and later released when they were young turtles have matured into adults.
"That helps ensure we have long-term viability of species in the watershed,” said Gillingwater.
In accepting his award, Lyons also acknowledged the Berger family who were on hand for the presentation.
"A special thank you to Dave and Wendy Berger,” said Lyons. “It’s an honour to receive this award in your daughter’s name.”
