HCA Recognizes 2026 Watershed Stewardship Award Recipients
On Saturday, September 26, Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) hosted the annual Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day at its administrative office in Ancaster. Held in partnership with Conservation Halton, the event celebrated people whose efforts protect and enhance natural areas within local watersheds.
The annual Watershed Stewardship Awards recognize landowners, schools and businesses in HCA’s watershed whose efforts help maintain and restore natural features and support a healthy watershed.
2026 HCA Watershed Stewardship Award Recipients
Andrew Holden and Kathryn Allan – Lower Spencer Creek
Andrew Holden and Kathryn Allan have naturalized their property beside the Delsey Pond natural area, creating habitat for snakes, snapping turtles, and migratory and resident birds. With support from volunteers, they planted 405 native plants along 17 metres of watercourse.
Sean Polap – Milton District High School
For the past four years, teacher Sean Polap and his construction classes at Milton District High School have built habitat structures for wildlife at HCA conservation areas. Students have created 184 structures in total, including bat boxes, turtle nest protectors, bird boxes and owl boxes.
