"The Countryside Canada stewardship award has recognized the stewardship efforts of 66 individuals and organizations since 2000," said David Brackett, president of Wildlife Habitat Canada.  "The award has raised the profile of agricultural stewardship across Canada and has increased public awareness of the need to maintain wildlife habitat and biodiversity."

Phil and Linda Chadwick have worked tirelessly to enhance wildlife habitat on their land and to protect riparian areas. The Chadwick farm is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, an environmentally significant landform north of Toronto. Since they purchased the property about 12 years ago, the Chadwicks have planted more than 6,000 trees and shrubs, erected fences to protect streams and wetlands from livestock and have built 200 nesting boxes for birds.

David Brackett, President of Wildlife Habitat Canada,
presents award to Phil Chadwick at the National Library in Ottawa

"Without habitat, there is no wildlife," said Brackett. "The Chadwick farm is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people recognize the importance of maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat."

Recipients of a Countryside Canada stewardship award receive a framed limited edition print of The Awakening, a painting by artist Antony John. Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are Countryside Canada's main sponsors.

Additional information about Wildlife Habitat Canada's stewardship awards is available at StewardshipAwards-CSC.

For more information contact:

Mr. Lynn McIntyre
Director of Stewardship Programs
Wildlife Habitat Canada
Tel: 1-800-669-7919 ext. 234