Bowen Islanders Bob Turner, Everhard van Lidthe de Jeude, and Michelle Catherine Nelson have all been nominated for the 15th annual Islands Trust Community Stewardship awards. The awards are meant to recognize individuals and organizations for their efforts to support and protect the unique communities found within the Islands Trust.
Former mayor of Bowen Island, Bob Turner, has been nominated for three projects he has undertaken related to the conservation of Howe Sound: the OceanWatch Howe Sound report and website, the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative, and Howe Sound Films – Turner has produced seven films on Howe Sound to date, the most recent of which, The Salmon are Back! was screened last week at the Bowen Island Adventure Film Festival
The Islands Trusts nominated Everhard van Lidth de Jeude for his work, over a 30 year period, on conservation activities on Bowen. The existence of the Mount Gardner Trail network, a new walking trail in Fairy Fen and ATV trails in the same location can all be attributed to van Lidth de Jeude’s work and willingness to collaborate with local organizations. For a decade, he has acted as the treasurer of the Bowen Island Conservancy and was the president of the Bowen Nature Club for a decade.
Michelle Catherine Nelson has been nominated for her food sustainability initiatives including workshops on collecting wild foods and invasive species and her work with the Economic Development Committee and Tourism Bowen Island.
Other initiatives that have been nominated within the Islands Trust area include the Denman Island Memorial Society for the creation of a “green” cemetery for local residents, the Gabriola Arts Council for its work over 20 years including three annual arts events and the upgrade of the community arts centre, and Mudge Island’s Citizens Society, which helps Mudge Island (60 year-round residents) remain self-sufficient by supporting fire prevention, firefighting equipment, and emergency and medical services. The Islands Trust will select award winners at its annual meeting on Lasqueti Island on June 20.
