Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan will present a local landowner with the 13th annual Oxford Stewardship Award at the February 22 meeting of County Council. The award recognizes County landowners who have made exemplary contributions to the preservation and enhancement of natural features and areas, such as woodlands, wetlands, streams and meadows.

Background

The Oxford Stewardship Award recipient is chosen by Stewardship Oxford and the Oxford Soil & Crop Improvement Association from the pool of projects that received financial and/or technical assistance through the County-supported Clean Water Program the previous year. The Clean Water Program, administered by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Grand River Conservation Authority, with direct funding contributions from the County, helps to fund and support the conservation and enhancement of natural heritage resources in Oxford County. In 2022, a total of 58 Clean Water projects were funded in Oxford County. This reflected over $488,000 in total project value and $179,000 in grants. Oxford County committed $70,000 to the program over. In keeping with the theme of celebrating and supporting local achievement, Oxford County is once again honouring this year’s Oxford Stewardship Award recipient with original artwork commissioned from a local artist. The 2022 award winner will receive a gift certificate from Oxford County artist Vonnie Snyder.