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Wednesday, October 25, 2006 · Page 14 Ontario conservation advocates honoured with awards BY FREE PRESS STAFF For McGregor resident Dan Bissonnette, it was like lightning struck twice. Three weeks ago, the North American Plant Society honoured the Habitat Naturalized Network with the Paul McGaw Memorial Award for its conservation efforts. On Oct. 20, the network's program co-ordinator was "stunned" when notified that he would be receiving a similar award for his personal environmental efforts. The Carolinian Canada Coalition celebrated the work of a number of individuals and groups in southwest Ontario during a ceremony at the Elmherst Inn in Ingersoll Oct. 20. Bissonnette was selected for being a "strong proponent of the value of native species ... who tirelessly promotes native plants and naturalization of gardens." He has worked with the network since its inception five years ago. In that time, Bissonnette has promoted environmental awareness and the importance of native trees and plants through workshops, seminars and books. He is also one of the individuals responsible for saving Essex County's Marshfield Woods from development in the late 1990s. exciting," "It's Bissonnette said about the award. "It's an honour just to be nominated." One of the things Bissonnette prides himself on is having spoken to every garden club in Essex County over the past few years. Another project he spearheaded with the network the "Carolinian was Cascade." It's a West Nile Virus-proof rain barrel developed to feed through eavestroughs for trees and shrubs. Since last spring, 80 barrels have been sold. "If you would calculate the amount of water (the barrels) have conserved, it would fill a small swimming pool," he said. Bissonnette has also been teaching a landscaping course since 2002. The course highlighted conservation, native plants and sustainable landscaping, and educated nearly 500 people. Bissonnette has worked to create two native tree arboretums ­ one near Wallaceburg and another in Leamington. Before joining the network, he also spent time as a volunteer host for a CBC Radio show about gardening. DAN BISSONNETTE Harrow man presented with National Trails Day Award Essex Trails, The Walkways and Bikeways Committee honoured Harrow resident Robert Robinson with a National Trails Day Award Oct. 16. Ward 2 Councillor Bill Caixeiro said Robinson earned the award for his "commitment to the preservation, enhancement and conservation of trails." Caixeiro said Robinson ESSEX CLINIC OPTOMETRIC maintains about a one-kilometre section of the Chrysler Canada Greenway, cutting grass and picking up garbage on the site. "He doesn't do it to gain anything," Caixeiro said. "He goes over and above. I hope this encourages people to take care and keep up the trails." Even healthy eyes * SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE * need exams Even healthy Even healthy DR. J BELL 186 Talbot St. S., Unit #2 DR. M.B. McDERMID Essex Medical Walk in Clinic) eyes need eyes need (Beside exams DR. T. WILBEE exams 186 Talbot St. S., Unit #2 (Beside Essex Medical Walk in Clinic) · Eye Exams · Glasses · Contact Lenses DR. J BELL · Laser Vision Correction Consultations DR. M.B. MCDERMID DR. T. WILBEE · Evening Appointments AMHERSTBURG ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 157 SAT., OCT. 28 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 776-9900 Your e Choic Pickerel/Frog Legs - $9.00/Plate Lake Erie Yellow Perch $10.00/Plate 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERTSBURG · 519-736-4485 AL L LI WE VE L M CO 6- FRO US ME 10 M I C! ! P. M . With state-of-the-art equipment, factory-certified parts and meticulous craftsmanship, we'll get you back on the road quickly and safely, at a price you can trust. Precision Frame Straightening Custom Color Matching · Insurance Specialists 245 Talbot St. S., Essex 776-6644