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​Pine River Watershed Initiative Network presents environmental awards of merit

September 28, 2024

The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN) presented its environmental awards of merit, recognizing local landowners and volunteers who have helped the organization in its mission of “clean water and a healthy eco-system within the Pine River watershed.”

The awards were presented during the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair, Friday night, at the ambassador pageant.

Director Angela Thompkins welcomed the recipients to the stage as their contributions were outlined.

MELODY SMILLIE

Melody Smillie has been a leader with the Ripley and District Horticultural Society’s “For Our Youth” Club since 2019. She has taken on the important role of club administrator, keeping the other leaders and the 30 children and youth in the group organized and on time. She also acts as treasurer, ensuring the small budget is well-managed.

Her big smile and warm greetings are often the first things the kids see when they arrive at meetings to receive their name tags. The club loves her programming ideas, and her knack for planning and providing solid leadership, even as she contributes to her community in many other ways. The group is thankful to have her in the club.



Angela Thompkins (right), director with PRWIN, presents an environmental award of merit to Melody Smillie

The “For Our Youth” Club is supported by the Ripley and District Horticultural Society. The youth participate in monthly meetings that are filled with crafts, growing projects and outdoor activities that encourage involvement with the Ontario Horticultural Association, the Ripley Horticultural Society flower show, the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair, the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens, and the PRWIN. Last year, the club celebrated its 10th anniversary.

JESSICA ADAMS

Jessica Adams is a teacher at Ripley-Huron Community School and has been involved with the school’s Green Team for several years. Students sign up to take part in the club and participate in environmental awareness activities.

The Green Team provides an opportunity to educate, raise awareness and engage with pressing environmental issues inside and outside the classroom.

The group helps the school community move forward to be eco-conscious, promoting a green environment through recycling and waste-reduction practices.

Adams also hosts an environmental week in April to highlight Earth Day. Environmental Week provides hands-on learning and engaging conversations about the environment.



Angela Thompkins (right), director with PRWIN, presents an environmental award of merit to teacher Jessica Adams (second from right), with members of the RIpley-Huron Community School Green Team, Nora Rivett (left), Kaelia Thynne and Eleanor Kernighan

TROY MIDDELKAMP AND FAMILY

Troy Middelkamp and his family are residents of Huron-Kinloss Township. Over the years, he has always been a great participant to help with PRWIN’s tree-planting initiatives in the Pine River Watershed.

His interest in many aspects of agriculture and work with PRWIN’s environmental in-ground projects, such as tree-planting, ensures this work continues as good stewardship in the watershed.

Thanks to Middelkamp for his contributions to PRWIN, and the group looks forward to working with his family at future planting projects.

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