"The Countryside Canada Stewardship Recognition Program is helping all Canadians to understand the importance of good stewardship and the need to conserve habitat and biodiversity," says David Brackett, President of Wildlife Habitat Canada. "This year, our national awards committee selected 11 Countryside Canada award winners - all from western Canada."

Stewardship awards were presented to:

• Herb Goulden, Brandon, Manitoba
• Elgar Grinde, Holden, Alberta
• Christoph and Erika Weder, Rycroft, Alberta
• Bill Fox, Elk Point, Alberta
• Pincher Creek Watershed Group, Pincher Creek, Alberta
• Margaret Glasford, Red Deer, Alberta
• Jeff McCammon, Lac la None Watershed Stewardship Society, Gunn, Alberta

The Award Winners!

Back row (L to R) - Lorna MacFadzen & Jerry Wispinski (Lac la None Watershed Stewardship Society), David Brackett (President, WHC), Elgar Grinde,
Brad Bustard (Pincher Creek Watershed Group)
Front row (L to R) - Bill Fox, Christoph & Erika Weder & family,
Margaret Glasford
absent = Marilena Kowalchuk for Herb Goulden

Additional information about the accomplishments of this year's Countryside Canada stewardship award winners is available at www.whc.org/EN/stewardship/stewardship_awards_CSC.htm.  Recipients of a Countryside Canada award receive a framed limited edition print of The Awakening, a painting by artist Antony John. The painting was commissioned by Countryside Canada to symbolize the awards program. Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are the program's main sponsors.

Additional information about WHC's National Stewardship Awards can be found at www.whc.org/EN/stewardship/stewardship_awards.htm or by contacting:

Mr. Lynn McIntyre,
Director of Stewardship Programs
Wildlife Habitat Canada
800-669-7919 ext. 234