Tom Henderson, the DRCC Public Advisory Council Chair was recognized with the Volunteer Award at the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s 2016 Conservation Awards ceremony on January 18th 2017. He received the award because of his dedication for more than 25 years of volunteering to improve the Little River and the Detroit River watersheds.
The passage below taken from the ERCA AGM Pamphlet describes his positive impact in the community:
Tom Henderson has been along-time environmental advocate.He mentored many by planting thousands of native trees, and leading and participating in countless river cleanups, all of which have contributed to the Essex Region’s improving environment.His volunteer efforts have gone on for decades. He participated in stream cleanups with his late son, Jim, during his years as a student at Concord Public School. Tom was so inspired that he went on the help establish the Little River Enhancement Group, affectionately known as ‘Lil REG. The work of this group over the past 25 years has won much recognition for its positive environmental outcomes, as well as for educating the public regarding the importance of the Little River to our community. Thanks in large part to the volunteer efforts of Tom and the group, this watershed is now alive with a growing abundance of flora and fauna.
Tom has dedicated much of his retired life to continuing his environmental volunteerism. He has been involved in the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup since the late 90s, and continues to serve as Chair of its Public Advisory Council. He effectively communicates through emails, phone calls, letters to the editor, and in-person meetings. He regularly contacts federal, provincial, and city officials to request and provide information regarding issues in our local environment. He has attended countless open houses and meetings of environmental interest about the Little River and Detroit River Watersheds, and has been especially vigilant in his efforts to bring attention to the importance of Ojibway Shores.
Tom Henderson has the ability and credibility to bring community environmentalists together to pool their resources in a successful effort to improve the quality of life for the plants, wildlife and people of Essex County. He is a sincere and diligent environmental steward. His nominators state, “It has been an honour to work with Tom improving the ecosystem health of the Little River and Detroit River Watersheds.
Congratulations Tom!
2016 Conservation Awards Gallery
To read the ERCA media release, please click here.
For more information, about other award winners please visit http://erca.org/agm
