2025 Latornell Leadership Awards
The Latornell Conservation Symposium is proud to announce the return of the Latornell Leadership Awards as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.
Since 1999, the awards have honoured over 80 leaders who have made significant contributions to Ontario’s conservation movement through their professional work or volunteer efforts.
Over the years, the awards have evolved to highlight a broad range of contributions, from policy leadership and scientific innovation to on-the-ground conservation action and community advocacy.
This year, we are excited to continue this tradition by celebrating individuals whose passion and dedication help shape a more sustainable Ontario.
About the Awards
Named after Arthur D. Latornell, a champion of Conservation Authorities, these awards honour individuals driving innovation, leadership, and education in conservation.
Who is Eligible?
Nominees must demonstrate impactful leadership in conservation through:
- Policy development and reform
- Innovation in best management practices
- Habitat restoration
- Research and fieldwork
- Advancing sustainability practices
- Environmental education
- Natural resource management
- Advocacy and community leadership
How to Nominate
Individuals, organizations and agencies, including Conservation Authorities, non-profits, environmental non-governmental organizations, government bodies, and universities, are encouraged to submit nominations by Thursday, July 31, 2025.
A selection committee representing the Symposium Steering Committee, Conservation Ontario, and the University of Guelph will review submissions. Nominees will be announced by Friday, August 29, 2025.
Recognition and Celebration
Award winners will be honoured at the Latornell Leadership Awards Luncheon during the Latornell Conservation Symposium. Their names will also be displayed on a commemorative plaque at the Centre for Land and Water Stewardship at the University of Guelph.
Contact: John Mesman, Latornell Conservation Symposium, awards@latornell.ca
Past Latornell Leadership Award Recipients
- Don Huff
- Bruce Mackenzie
- John Parish
- Mike Puddister
- Nels Conroy
- Shelley Macpherson
- Brian Denney
- Terry Murphy
- Brian Kelly
- Geoffrey Peach
- Mark Heaton
- Dr. Steven Cooke
- Thomas McClenaghan
- Richard (Dick) Hunter
- Clarke Birchard
- Gord MacPherson
- Peter Gray
- Muriel Andreae
- Ian Buchanan
- Tom Prout
- Bob Rogers
- Judi Brouse
- Debbe Crandall
- Lorrie Minshall
- Mike Garrett
- Peter Middleton
- Russ Powell
- Bill Dickinson
- Jean-Marc Filion
- Peter Orphanos
- John Sibbald
- Jack Imhof
- Scott Gillingwater
- Jim Anderson
- Liette Vasseur
- Paul Aird
- Tom Taylor
- Vicki Barron
- Gil Henderson
- Stew Hilts
- Don Ross
- Ernie Crossland
- Ian Macnab
- Craig Mather
- Ian Parrish
- Allan Ralph
- Dr. John Gunn
- James Myslik
- Harold Parker
- Lorne Smith
- Bob Whittam
- Deborah Beatty
- Bruce Duncan
- Michael Hough
- Ted Mosquin
- Lou Wise
- Sally Beaton
- Robert Bowles
- Ron Reid
- George S. Stormont
- Anthony Smith
- Ben Vanderbrug
- Donald Lobb
- Gray Merriam
- David Pearson
- Malcom Kirk
- Patrick J. McManus
- Dr. Duncan Sinclair
- Maria and Paul Heissler
- David Cressman
- Ron Scott
- Jack MacPherson
- Arthur Herbert Richardson
- Greta McGillivray
- Willian McLean
- Hal Hooke
- Terry Sprague
- Jim Bruce
- Terk Bayly
- Rheal Proulx
- Tom Millar
- Peter Harvie
- Ken Mayall
- Murray Miller
- Douglas Hoffman
- Elwood Moore
- George R. Richardson
- Gordon Oldfield
- Jim Bauer
- Janet Fletcher
- Harry Barrett
- Trevor Dickinson
- Ray Lowes
- Bob Burgar
- John Murray
- Charles Alexander
- Len Johnson
- Dr. David Ankney
- Christine Nornabell
- Russell Piper
- Mac Coutts
- Ken Higgs