Ernest Thompson Seton Distinguished Naturalist Award – Christian Artuso
For more than a decade there is hardly an aspect of ornithology in Manitoba that Christian has not enthusiastically participated in and often led. He joined the Board of Nature Manitoba in 2008 and continues to serve. He represented us with the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative, Manitoba Avian Records Committee, Important Bird Areas Project and the Manitoba Bluebird Project. Christian led the massive, five-year effort that produced the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas. He has regularly led bird outings for Nature Manitoba and took part in pretty much every bird survey going. We can think of no more worthy recipient for this Award.
Service Award – Marilyn Latta
Marilyn has received the Service Award once before, in 1997, but in the 20+ years since then has continued to do exemplary service for Nature Manitoba. She is chair of the Habitat Committee, which entails looking after our Tall Grass Prairie Preserve properties, supervising seasonal staff each year, and serving on our behalf on the management committee of the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve. In the past few years Marilyn played a major role representing us in convincing the City of Winnipeg to preserve Henteleff Park in south St. Vital, and continues to represent Nature Manitoba on their management committee. Marilyn has for many years been a regular contributor to our Workshops, with her programs on wildflower identification and gardening with native plants.
Service Award – Al Mickey
Al volunteered for the Manitoba Naturalist Society fund-raiser Garage Sales for 14 years during the 1990's and 2000's. For those 25 sales, Al would be there for Friday setup and the Saturday sale; six to eight hours for each sale and a Saturday birding trip foregone. Al's hard work and east coast sensibilities always contributed to the success and camaraderie of every MNS garage sale he participated in.
President’s Award – Joe Leven
Joe has worked hard to ensure the great success of the Garden Tours the past several years, as well as serving on our Board, and stepping up last year to be our Secretary. As President I acknowledge that service to Nature Manitoba and to me.
President’s Award – Sandy Hayglass
Sandy has been of great help to me as President, not only filling in when I am away as part of her role as Vice Chairman of the Board, but enthusiastically chairing the Indoor Program committee and reviving the Communications Committee to ensure that we celebrate Nature Manitoba’s 100th Anniversary appropriately.