NEWS RELEASE
GREY SAUBLE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
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The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation’s Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award played an important role in the inspiring journey of Alex Adair, a recipient of the $2,000 award in 2023. This support has empowered the 19-year-old conservationist from Owen Sound to pursue his bachelor of science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation at the University of Guelph and embark on important global research.
Adair’s journey in conservation began early, with roots in Grey Bruce, where he worked as an assistant fisheries technician with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, volunteered as a turtle tracker at Bruce Peninsula National Park, and is currently serving as a steward for Ontario Nature.
As a member of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, he passionately advocates for local conservation, inspired by the landscapes he grew up exploring, including Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) properties like Bognor Marsh, Bruce’s Caves, and Inglis Falls.
This past summer, Adair travelled to northwestern Madagascar, where he joined a research team led by Dr. Travis Steffens from the University of Guelph to study the health of lemurs, domestic animals, and local communities in Ankarafantsika National Park.
For three months, Adair lived in a remote village, collecting data on critically endangered lemurs, analyzing parasite loads in various species, and conducting behavioural surveys.
Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemurs, yet they are the most endangered group of mammals worldwide, with threats like deforestation, poaching, and climate change causing 98% of lemur species to be threatened with extinction. Reflecting on this crisis, Adair hopes his story will highlight the need for action not only in Madagascar but globally, including in Grey Bruce.
“The Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award from the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation, along with other local and provincial supports, have helped me pursue my education in wildlife biology and make a real impact,” said Adair.
“I encourage anyone passionate about conservation and supporting young environmentalists to consider donating to the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation. Their support helps future environmentalists who are passionate about protecting our natural world.”
Adair also encourages anyone interested in the conservation crisis facing Madagascar to read about Planet Madagascar, a Canadian charity working actively to conserve species and habitats in Madagascar.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation is dedicated to advancing conservation efforts and environmental education by raising funds that support the vital work of GSCA. The Malcolm Kirk Environmental Award is just one example of their meaningful impact. Donations to the Foundation play an important role in supporting the education of future environmental leaders like Alex Adair and in funding environmental education programs delivered by GSCA throughout Grey Bruce.
Learn more about the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation and donate here: www.greysauble.on.ca/
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