Wade Luzny Youth Conservation Award

LONDON, ONTARIO,

Nautical Waters receives donations of abandoned fishing equipment from numerous partners on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Profits from the sale of creative products on Etsy made from the old gear is donated back to the causes.

Now 17, Natalie McIntosh demonstrates the incredible difference one person of any age can make to conservation of wildlife and habitat. McIntosh is deeply dedicated to encouraging everyone to connect and get involved. What started out as a school project has transformed into an amazing and innovative program.

As a child, my bedroom was decorated with stuffed dolphins and turtle posters, and the shelves were full of marine life picture books. I would daydream about swimming with Dory and Marlin on their way to find Nemo. When I heard about ghost gear, I knew I had to make a difference.

The most important thing I would tell people is not to be afraid to ask for help — you don’t need to know it all! Surround yourself with people who have skills you don’t have.

When Nautical Waters started, I thought people would see me as a kid and not take me seriously. I was wrong. Many people were more than happy to do what they could to help me grow Nautical Waters.

This award was renamed in honour of CWF’s much- admired executive director who died unexpectedly in 2016. It recognizes Canadian youth who have undertaken wildlife or habitat conservation projects and activities that have helped make a difference to the environment.