Lacombe County recognizes the winner of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award

At the January 9 Lacombe County Council meeting, Nick Harper was presented with the Environmental Stewardship Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Environmental Stewardship Award aligns with Lacombe County’s Policy AD(33) Environmental Community Engagement, which underscores the County’s dedication to supporting residents in understanding and implementing environmental sustainability. This annual award acknowledges a resident or local environmental organization whose actions demonstrate a profound commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural environment. The recipient is selected by a committee comprising the County’s Environmental Coordinator, one Councillor, and the previous year’s winner or alternates. In addition to the recognition, the award includes a $1,500 cash prize.

A Legacy of Environmental Leadership

Nick Harper, a Restoration Ecologist with a background in land conservation, was selected as the 2024 recipient.

Nick’s achievements reflect his deep commitment to restoring and preserving natural systems. On his parents’ property, he has implemented several noteworthy initiatives:

• 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.

Lacombe County extends its gratitude to all nominees for their contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By celebrating these efforts, the County hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps toward preserving and protecting the natural environment for current and future generations.

For more information about the Environmental Stewardship Award or to learn how to get involved in sustainability initiatives, please visit Lacombe County’s website at www.lacombecounty.com/EnvironmentalAward.