Conservation and environmental education champions work tirelessly up and down the Upper Columbia region. Often working behind the scenes, these heroes advocate, teach, train and lead by example to build a better future for us all.

Golden resident Ellen Zimmerman was a nature champion and a key leader for Wildsight until her passing in 2020. Last year, Wildsight launched an award to honour her legacy.

“Those of us who worked with Ellen recall her deep passion for nature, her unrelenting commitment to defending it and her strength to persevere and succeed as a female environmental advocate in a rural, resource industry-dominated community,” said Robyn Duncan, Wildsight’s Executive Director. “Ellen was passion embodied — fiery, passionate and doggedly stubborn. She never backed down from a fight to protect nature or defend women’s rights. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy.”

The Ellen Zimmerman Award includes a commemorative ceramic art piece and a $1,000 gift awarded to an individual, celebrating and supporting their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and education in the Upper Columbia region (stretching from Canal Flats to Revelstoke).

Deadline for nominations is March 15, with the award presentation planned for Earth Day, April 22. Funds for the award are also being accepted throughout the year.

Nominate a hero today: wildsight.ca/the-ellen-zimmerman-award

Photo submitted

Wildsight

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