Oxford County awarded the 2025 Oxford Stewardship Award to the Middle Grand Chapter of Freshwater Conservation Canada. The volunteer group planted over 2,000 trees in three years (plus 250 in a community event) to improve water quality, reduce runoff, and support aquatic habitat, with support from local partners and the Oxford Clean Water Program.
Oxford County presented the 2025 Oxford Stewardship Award to the Middle Grand Chapter of Freshwater Conservation Canada, recognizing their work to improve land and water health along cold-water tributaries of the Middle Grand River.
The award was announced Wednesday morning by Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan, who praised the volunteer group for its environmental restoration efforts in Oxford County.
The Middle Grand Chapter of Freshwater Conservation Canada has planted more than 2,000 trees over the past three years along Horner’s Creek, near Bright, aimed at rebuilding natural vegetation zones that help protect waterways by filtering runoff, reducing sediment, and cooling stream temperatures for fish and other aquatic species.
With support from the Oxford Clean Water Program, the group also organized a community planting event last spring that added 250 additional trees along the creek. The project involved collaboration with the Grand River Conservation Authority, Enbridge, and local landowners.
The Clean Water Program, funded by Oxford County and delivered by the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority supports projects that improve water quality and enhance wetlands and woodlands. Three projects were shortlisted for this year’s award.
As recipients, the volunteer organization will receive a $500 prize toward a local art piece or a Tour Oxford experience and will be added to the recognition wall at the Oxford County Administration Building.
The award selection was led by representatives from local stewardship groups, including Marinda Gras of the Soil & Crop Improvement Association and Cher Sprague of Stewardship Oxford.
