Photo courtesy of the Lacombe County website.
During the Jan. 9 regular meeting, Lacombe County Council presented Nick Harper with the Environmental Stewardship Award, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The annual award acknowledges a resident or local environmental organization whose actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
The recipient is selected by a committee including the county’s environmental coordinator, one councillor, and the previous year’s winner.
As a Restoration Ecologist with a background in land conservation, Harper’s achievements reflect a deep commitment to restoring and preserving natural systems.
On his parents’ property, he has implemented initiatives including:
-
Reforestation projects: Planting over 150 native trees, including trembling aspen, white spruce, paper birch, lodgepole pine, green alder, and river alder, to enhance biodiversity and restore natural habitats.
-
Pond restoration: Restoring a small pond by fencing off the area to protect it from grazing, planting approximately 40 willow shrubs to stabilize the shoreline, and installing a trough watering system to ensure livestock have alternative water sources.
-
Sustainable grazing practices: Advancing sustainable land management through rotational grazing, chemical-free weed management, and pasture overseeding, contributing to improved soil health and ecosystem resilience.
Through the award, Lacombe County is hopeful to inspire others to take proactive steps toward preserving and protecting the natural environment for current and future generations.
In addition to the recognition, the award includes a $1,500 cash prize.
**With information provided by Lacombe County
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.