A Nanaimo woman has been recognized for her dedicated efforts in protecting and preserving environmentally sensitive land.
Gail Adrienne, executive director for Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, is one of 150 Canadians who have been named to the Canada 150 Land Trust Honour Roll, which recognizes individuals who have contributed to successful land conservation and environmental protection through land trust initiatives.
“I am definitely very much honoured,” Adrienne said.
She said she wasn’t expecting to be named to the list and found out late last week when she was scrolling through the list to see if anyone she knew was honoured.
“I had nominated someone and I was looking down to see if her name was on it and then I found myself,” she said.
Adrienne joined the land trust society in 1997 and became the organization’s executive director in 2001. She has since led successful land acquisition campaigns and education seminars and helped provide land stewardship information to landowners.
“I do it because I love it,” she said. “It’s really rewarding.”
She said one of her favourite memories as a member of NALT was when they raised $500,000 to purchase property in Linley Valley for parkland, adding that local politicians at the time didn’t believe the organization could successfully raise the amount and were concerned that they would have to pitch in money.
She said one of her favourite memories as a member of NALT was when they raised $500,000 to purchase property in Linley Valley for parkland, adding that local politicians at the time didn’t believe the organization could successfully raise the amount.
Gabriola Island resident John Pierce was also named to the honour roll for his work with the American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts.
In a separate set of awards, Gabriola’s Liz Ciocea was presented with a Community Stewardship Award from the Islands Trust Council for advocating for wildlife and the environment for 30 years. She is involved in community outreach through the Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society.
nicholas.pescod@nanaimobulletin.com