Nature Saskatchewan 75th Anniversary Logo

Awards

Awards are an important way to recognize and publicize volunteers' contributions to the environment and Nature Saskatchewan!

Each year at the Fall Meet, Nature Saskatchewan recognizes outstanding service and contributions that Society members, and/or affiliate and partner organizations have made towards Nature Saskatchewan’s objectives and goals. Recently, the Awards Committee has recommended that the awards be restructured slightly.

Clear criteria have been established in terms of purpose, eligibility, and nomination procedure. This year, we are seeking nominations for three classes of awards – Volunteer Recognition Award, Fellows Award, and Conservation Award. The Volunteer Recognition Award and Conservation Award can be conferred on the same individual or organization more than once.

The Cliff Shaw Award will also be presented at the Fall Meet. The recipient is chosen by the Blue Jay editors.

Local societies throughout Saskatchewan play an important role in furthering conservation and appreciation of nature at the local level. There are always those who step up to the plate to organize meetings and outings, go the extra mile to help others connect with nature, or work silently and tirelessly behind the scenes. It’s time those contributions were recognized. We encourage anyone from a local society to consider nominating someone from your local group who is a Nature Saskatchewan member, who deserves recognition for any of these awards. Note that nominees for the Volunteer Recognition Award and Fellows Award must hold a current membership with Nature Saskatchewan.

 

Nomination Procedure

  • Nominations can be made by Nature Saskatchewan members, directors, and staff. Local societies should consider nominating someone from their local group.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • Nominations are to be made in writing and submitted by the published deadline.
  • Nominations are to include the following information: The nominee’s name, address, and phone number; The nominator’s name and contact information; Details of the nominee’s efforts.
  • The Awards Committee will independently rate the nominations, and confirm that the nominee holds a current membership with Nature Saskatchewan.
  • Chairperson of the Awards Committee will bring the recommendations to the Board.
  • If ratified, the President or his/her delegate shall confer the respective Awards to the recipients at the Fall Meet.

 

The deadline to submit nominations for awards is August 23, 2024.

 

All Nature Saskatchewan Awards consist of the following:

  • The announcement of the recipient’s name at the Fall Meet.
  • The presentation of a certificate recognizing the contribution.
  • An announcement in Blue Jay recognizing the distinction.

Cliff Shaw Award

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One of the persons most active in the formation of the Saskatchewan Natural History Society was Cliff Shaw of Yorkton, who helped to carry on the publication of the Blue Jay after the death of its founder Mrs. Isabel Priestley. Following his death in 1959, the Society wished to honour his memory by an appropriate award, and at the Executive meeting of October, a motion was made that "a Cliff Shaw Award" be made each year at the Annual Meeting.

Eligibility

This award will be presented for an article in the past four issues of the Blue Jay that merits special recognition as an individual contribution in any branch of natural history.

Selection Procedure

The award recipient will be chosen by the Blue Jay editors.

The Cliff Shaw Award consists of the following:

  • The announcement of the recipient’s name at the Fall Meet.
  • The presentation of a certificate recognizing the contribution.

Past Recipients

1959  Glen A. Fox
1960  Ralph Carson
1961  John J. Hudson
1962  Larry Morgotch
1963  Keith Best
1964  Hans Dommasch
1965  Michael Gollop
1966  Lucy H. Murray
1967 Spencer Sealy
1968  Doug Whitfield and Jonathan Gerrard
1969  John Lane
1970  Kees Vermeer
1971  Fred Lahrman
1972  Harold W. Pinel and Clifford A. Wallis
1973  Laura Hoyte and Thelma Pepper
1974  William Nivan and Robert Page
1975  Arlean McPherson
1976  Jim Wedgwood
1977  C. Stuart Houston
1978  Robert Kreba
1979  Jean Bancroft
1980  Hamilton Mack Laing
1981  Walter Krivda
1982  Erie Feilburg
1983  Donald Hooper
1984  Robert W. Nero
1985  Jean and George Hilton
1986  Shirley Brunt
1987  Michael Monkman
1988  John Hudson
1989  Vernon Harms
1990  Paul Chytyk
1991  Jean Bancroft
1992  Frank Roy, George Tosh and Ken Coutu
1993  Judith Richardson
1994  Keith Barr
1995  Norbert G. Kondla
1996  Peter Taylor
1997  Anna Leighton
1998  Garth Nelson
1999  No Award
2000  Carolyn Curtis
2001  James Finley
2002  Paul Geraghty
2003  David J. Larson
2004  Todd J. Underwood
2005  Carey Hamel & Elizabeth Reimer
2006  Danna Schock & Trent Bollinger
2007  Christian Artuso
2008  Frank Roy
2009  Al Smith
2010  Katherine Peterson, Esayas Amosa, Shelley Press & Nadir Evbiligin
2011  Richard Staniforth
2012  Laura Gardiner & Kendall Sonmor
2013  Alan Dodd
2014  Dr. Joseph Schmutz
2015 Dale Mierau
2016 Chris Hay
2017 Harold Fisher
2018 Ken Kingdon
2019 Ron Jensen
2020 Dale and Estelle Hjertass
2023 Philip Taylor

 

Conservation Award

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Purpose of the Award

In addition to advocacy and other forms of conservation action, it is important that Nature Saskatchewan recognize, as it has done since 1953, those both within and beyond the organization who have done "meritorious work in the interest of conservation in Saskatchewan."

Nature Saskatchewan's Conservation Award will be presented to an individual or organization whose total contribution to conservation is outstanding, whether in relation to a particular project, or in a number of roles over a period of years.

Eligibility

Individuals, affiliate and/or partner organizations, not-for-profit associations, institutions, community groups, businesses, government and non-government organizations that have contributed significantly to conservation in Saskatchewan. This award can be conferred on the same individual or organization more than once.

Nomination Procedure

  • Nominations can be made by Nature Saskatchewan members, directors, and staff.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • Nominations are to be made in writing and submitted  by the published deadline.
  • Nominations are to include the following information:
    • The nominee’s name, address, and phone number;
    • The nominator’s name and contact information;
    • Details of the nominee’s efforts.
  • The Awards Committee will independently rate the nominations.
  • Chairperson of the Awards Committee will bring the recommendations to the Board.
  • If ratified, the President or his/her delegate shall confer the Conservation Award at the Fall Meet.

The Conservation Award consists of the following:

  • The announcement of the winner’s name at the Fall Meet.
  • The presentation of a certificate recognizing the contribution.

Past Recipients

1953  Ralph Stueck & A.C. Budd
1954  Fred Lahrman & Dough Gilroy
1955  Fred Bard
1956  L.B. Thompson & E.J. Marshall
1957  No Award
1958  No Award
1959  Stuart Houston
1960  Harry Moody
1961  Herb Moulding
1962  Gertrude Murray
1963  Saskatchewan Falconry Assoc.
1964  Douglas E. Wade
1965  Robert D. Symons
1966  George F. Ledingham
1967  Stan D. Riome
1968  Elizabeth Cruickshank
1969  Lorne Scott
1970  Ruth & David Chandler
1971  Thomas White
1972  Christine Pike
1973  Ronald L. Dutcher
1974  Saskatoon Resources Study Group
1975  Wayne Renaud
1976  Mary Skinner
1977  James R. Jowsey
1978  Wawota Wildlife Federation
1979  Frank H. Brazier
1980  Fenton R. Vance & Rose McLaughlin
1981  Robert Nero
1982  Ducks Unlimited Canada
1983  Dennis Sherratt
1984  George Davies
1985  Lorne Lepp
1986  Connie Gramiak
1987  Doug Cole
1988  Lise & Fernand Perrault
1989  Warren Hjertaas
1990  Telephone Pioneers of America - Saskatchewan Chapter
1991  Don Hooper
1992  Gordon Silversides
1993  Bernard de Vries
1994  Lynn Oliphnat
1995  Ducks Unlimited &  Yorkton Natural History Society
1996  Peter & Sharon Butala
1997  Robert McFarlane
1998  Frank Roy
1999  John Dinius
2000  Muriel Carlson
2001  Peter Kingsmill
2002  Eleanor Bowie
2003  Mary Houston
2004  Margaret Skeel
2005  Dale Hjertaas & Elaine Hughes
2006  Alan Appleby
2007  Greencover Canada Program
2008  Lorne Scott & Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre
2009  Brian Johns
2010  Clem & Arlene Miller
2011  Lenore Lake Environmental Protection Committee
2012  Michelle Clarke
2013  Wild About Saskatoon (citizen group)
2014  Trevor Herriot
2015
2016  Lori Wilson
2017 Dr. Jon M. Gerrard and P. Naomi Gerrard
2018 Alan Smith, Stuart Houston, Frank Roy
2019 Joanne Havelock
2020
2021
2022
2023 Doug Welykholowa, Stan Shadick

Fellows Award

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Purpose of the Award

A motion was passed at the 1987 Annual General Meeting creating a new class of honorary membership entitled "Fellows of the Saskatchewan Natural History Society". This award recognizes an extensive and continuing contribution of time over many years to the Society and its objectives. Up to five recipients may be chosen annually. Once selected, Fellows hold that title as long as they remain members of the Society. It is the highest honour the Society can bestow upon a member.

Eligibility

Individuals who are members of Nature Saskatchewan who have provided an outstanding time and work contribution to the Society over many years. These contributions have been significant, and may have come in the form of leadership, communication, authorship, social media outreach, research, and other areas. The contributions have been cumulative or ongoing, and represent long-standing service or commitment to Nature Saskatchewan and its objectives.

Nomination Procedure

  • Nominations can be made by Nature Saskatchewan members, directors, and staff.
  • Nominations are to be made in writing and submitted  by the published deadline.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • Nominations are to include the following information:
    • The nominee’s name, address, and phone number;
    • The nominator’s name and contact information;
    • Details of the nominee’s efforts.
  • The Awards Committee will independently rate the nominations, and confirm that the nominee holds a current membership with Nature Saskatchewan.
  • Chairperson of the Awards Committee will bring the recommendations to the Board.
  • If ratified, the President or his/her delegate shall confer the Fellows Award(s) at the Fall Meet.

The Fellows Award consists of the following:

  • The announcement of the recipient’s name(s) at the Fall Meet.
  • The presentation of a certificate recognizing the contribution.

Past Recipients

1987  Stuart & Mary Houston, Frank Brazier
1988  Fred Bard, Jim & Shirley Jowsey, Bob Nero, Jim Slimmon
1989  Hans de Vogel, Vic Beaulieu, Margaret Belcher, Mary Skinner
1990  No Award
1991  No Award
1992  Les Baker, Don Hooper, Ron Hooper, Christine Pike, Lorne Scott
1993  Pat Adams, Mary Gilliland, Frank Roy, Stan Shadick, Jim Wedgewood
1994  Katherine Letkeman, Ed Walker, Val Andrews, Ron Andrews, Lise Perrault
1995  Lorne Rowell, Ian Lochtie
1996  Ron Jensen, Frank Switzer, Bernie de Vries, Bernie Gollop, Dr. Vernon Harms
1997  Bill and Joyce Anaka, Jim and Betty Mundy
1998  Jim Elliott
1999  Robert Berthiaume, Ronald Bremner, Maureen duWors, Tom Gentles, Doug Gilroy,     Paul James, Robert Nero, Ole Nielsen, Herbert Moulding, Doug Schmeiser, Gary Seib
2000  Garth Nelson
2001  Bill Sargeant, Carman Dodge
2002  Paule Hjertaas
2003  Michael Williams, George Tosh
2004  Kathleen Donauer, Ardythe McMaster, Carol Scott, Michele Williamson
2005  Diether Peschken, George Mitchell, Wayne Pepper
2006  Attila Chanady, Dale Hjertaas, Anna Leighton, Dianne Secoy Smith
2007  Muriel Carlson, Melanie Elliott
2008  Margaret Skeel, Ted Leighton, Robert Warnock
2009  Bill MacKenzie, Branimir Gjetvaj, Deanna Trowsdale-Mutafov, Fraser Hunter, Mary        Aird
2010  Jacqueline Bolton, Dr. Yvonne Cuttle, Alan Smith
2011  Martin Stoffel, Trevor Herriot, Lynn McCaslin, Val Thomas
2012  Teresa Dolman
2013  No award
2014 No award
2015 No award
2016 Harold Fisher
2017 Rob Wilson
2018 Joan Feather, Greg Fenty
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023

Larry Morgotch Memorial Award

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This award was initiated by the Yorkton Society in memory of Larry Morgotch, a former member whose photographs appeared in many issues of Blue Jay. It has been awarded each year since 1981 to the member showing the best photographs during the members' presentation at the Fall Meet.

In 2013, the award will be replaced by the Larry Morgotch Photo Event, on a trial basis, to encourage more members to share their photos at the Fall Meet. The event will celebrate nature through photography, without the element of competition. No one will receive an award; instead, all members' contributions will be enjoyed and appreciated. See the Fall 2013 edition of Nature Views for more information.

Past Recipients

1981  Stanley Shadick
1982  Sheina Wait
1983  Dorothy Fleming
1984  No Award
1985  Carol Bjorkland
1986  Sheina Wait
1987  Mary Houston
1988  Clare Hume
1989  Donna Barclay
1990  Michael Williams
1991  Don Hooper
1992  Don Hooper
1993  Melanie Elliott
1994  Frank Switzer
1995  Keith Barr
1996  Garth Nelson
1997  Bill Anaka
1998  Juhachi Asai
1999  Ron Hooper
2000  Jean Harris
2001  Dale Hjertaas
2002  Lorne Scott
2003  Frank Roy
2004  Gary Seib
2005  Andrea Perras & Michelle Yaskowich
2006  Anna Leighton
2007  Bill Mackenzie
2008  Don Methieson
2009  Don Methieson
2010  Ron Jensen
2011  Brenda Rutz
2012  Kathleen Pitt
2013 no award
2014 no award

Volunteer Recognition Award

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Purpose of the Award

This award was created in 1996 to acknowledge an individual Nature Saskatchewan member who has devoted significant time and energy to promoting the objectives of the Society, including contributions made at the local society level. Priority for this award will be given to a Nature Saskatchewan member whose volunteer work has helped to enhance the public awareness of the Society (this may include contributions to a Society conservation project or program). It may be appropriate in some years to have this award shared by more than one person, if they have worked together on the same project, or on closely related projects.

Eligibility

Nature Saskatchewan members who have provided valuable time and effort in contributing to the Society. Local societies are encouraged to nominate someone from their local group who is a Nature Saskatchewan member, recognizing that Nature Saskatchewan values their contributions to the overall goals of the Society. The nominee must be a current member of Nature Saskatchewan. This award can be conferred on the same person more than once.

Nomination Procedure

  • Nominations can be made by Nature Saskatchewan members, directors, and staff. Local societies should consider nominating someone from their local group.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • Nominations are to be made in writing and submitted  by the published deadline.
  • Nominations are to include the following information:
    • The nominee’s name, address, and phone number;
    • The nominator’s name and contact information;
    • Details of the nominee’s efforts.
  • The Awards Committee will independently rate the nominations, and confirm that the nominee holds a current membership with Nature Saskatchewan.
  • Chairperson of the Awards Committee will bring the recommendations to the Board.
  • If ratified, the President or his/her delegate shall confer the Volunteer Recognition Award at the Fall Meet.

The Volunteer Recognition Award consists of the following:

  • The announcement of the recipient’s name at the Fall Meet.
  • The presentation of a certificate recognizing the contribution.

Past Recipients

1994  Muriel Carlson
1995  Ron Jensen
1996  Mary Gilliland
1997  Kathleen Donauer
1998  Dale Hjertaas
1999  Garth Nelson
2000  Burt Gibson
2001  Nancy Allan
2002  Attila Chanady & Diether Peschken
2003  Muriel Carlson, Michelle Williamson and Diane Secoy Smith
2004  Alex Rendek
2005  Gary Seib
2006  Attila Chanady & Mary Aird
2007  Dennis Lawson
2008  Kim Dohms, Anna & Ted Leighton
2009  Lynn McCaslin, Sheila Hasenfratz
2010  Joan & Walter Farquarhson, Martha & Wally Karau
2011  David Larson
2012  Carman Dodge
2013  Guy Wapple
2014  Wendy & Keith Paquin (Fort Qu'Appelle Nature Society)
2015 Al Smith
2016 Rob Warnock
2017 Brian Jeffery
2018 James Villeneuve, Chelsea Walters
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023