This is taken from the NL Manual of Procedures, 2021.
2.5 Awards
Nature London awards recognize members of the community who have made notable contributions to advancing Nature London’s mission. The Awards Committee will comprise, ideally, two long-time members with an extensive knowledge of the club; a “newer” member who can bring a fresh perspective; a board member who would serve as a liaison; and a member of the Conservation Action Committee; however, depending on the availability of volunteers, the committee’s composition may vary from this.
Any Nature London member in good standing can submit a nomination by completing the Nature London Awards Nomination Form available from any Awards Committee member. The Awards Committee will review nominations in July or August with a view toward notifying recipients by early September. Thank You Awards will be presented at an Autumn indoor meeting and the remaining awards will normally be presented at the Awards Banquet or, more infrequently, at another venue deemed appropriate by the Board.
We recommend that citations at the Awards Banquet be no longer than 500 words and that the recipients’ response be of a similar length. This will allot about 10-15 minutes for each presentation and will make it practical to present up to four awards at a Banquet.
Note: Recipients of Nature London’s awards over the years are recorded in Manual 5 of 5.
2.5.1 Conservation Award
Criteria
This award is given to honour members of the community who have made significant contributions over several years to the cause of conservation of the natural environment. Members shall put forward names of possible candidates to be vetted by the Awards Committee who will then submit the selected candidates to the Board for approval.
Categories of persons or groups to be considered will include the following, as well as any other categories that the Committee or Board may decide merit consideration:
- members of Nature London who have done outstanding work in the fields of conservation and/or natural history;
- citizens or community groups who have made a significant contribution to the cause of conservation;
- elected or appointed officials who have demonstrated significant concern and action with respect to conservation issues; and,
- local industries or businesses that have made contributions to the conservation of the natural environment substantially beyond what is required by law through, for example, habitat preservation or restoration, wildlife protection, pollution control, the coordination of environmental clean-ups or other such measures.
Description of Award
- This award is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet, or another venue deemed appropriate by the Board.
- The person who nominated the recipient or someone who is knowledgeable about the criteria that qualified the recipient prepares a citation that explains the reasons the recipient is receiving the award. The citation is read at the time of presentation. A copy is given to the recipient and the citation is printed in The Cardinal.
- A laminated or framed certificate that includes the name of the recipient, the date of presentation, and signed by the President and the Chair of the Conservation Committee is given to the recipient.
- It is the responsibility of the Awards Committee to arrange to have the citation printed and the certificate prepared in readiness to be presented to the recipient(s).
Background
- The Nature London Conservation Award was first documented in The Cardinal, Mar. 1979: No. 95. The criteria have been modified from time to time.
2.5.2 W.E. Saunders Award of Merit
Criteria
The W.E. Saunders Award of Merit was established to recognize exceptional personal contributions to Nature London. The recipient of this award shall be a member in good standing who has given long and conscientious service to the club. Recipients will have made substantial contributions to Nature London in multiple areas over many years and/or provided service significantly above and beyond the job requirement of a particular position. It is the responsibility of the Board on behalf of the club to present this award only when a suitable candidate is identified. It shall not necessarily be considered an annual award and can only be presented once to any individual.
Description of Award
- This award is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet.
- The person who nominated the recipient or someone who is knowledgeable about the criteria that qualified the recipient prepares a citation that explains the reasons the recipient is receiving the award. The citation is read at the time of presentation. A copy is given to the recipient and the citation is printed in The Cardinal.
- A laminated or framed certificate that includes the name of the recipient, the date of presentation and signed by the President on behalf of the Board of Directors is given to the recipient.
- A gift at a suggested value of $200 is also given. The nature of the gift can be whatever is appropriate for the recipient.
- It is the responsibility of the Awards Committee to arrange to have the citation printed and the certificate prepared in readiness to be presented to the recipient.
Background
- The W.E. Saunders Award of Merit is described in the Board meeting minutes dated March 11, 1985.
2.5.3 Thank You (Suncatcher) Award
Criteria
This award was established to thank members who have served Nature London. The recipients of this award shall be members in good standing who have worked for Nature London on the executive, on a committee, or as an appointee for three years or more and who are recommended by a previous or current board member.
Description of Award
- The award has traditionally been a stained glass suncatcher in the shape of a male Northern Cardinal, but may, at the Board’s discretion, take another form.
- It is the responsibility of the Awards Committee to have these made (usually locally) and presented to the recipients.
- Whenever possible, the awards are presented annually at an indoor meeting.
- The names of the recipients are published in The Cardinal.
Background
This award is described in the Board meeting minutes of January 8, 1992. The original cardinal design of the stained glass suncatcher was the same as the club logo on the letterhead. The use of it had the approval of David D. Martin, the artist who created the design for Nature London. A copyright symbol had to be incorporated into the design. Various designs have been made in subsequent years.
2.5.4 Special Recognition Award
Criteria
This award recognizes members who have served Nature London in a special way. The recipients of this award shall be members in good standing who have worked on special projects or for an especially long duration on the executive, on a committee, or as an appointee and who are recommended by a previous or current board member.
Description of Award
- This award is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet.
- The person who nominated the recipient, or someone who is knowledgeable about the criteria that qualified the recipient, prepares a citation that explains the reasons the recipient is receiving the award. The citation is read at the time of presentation. A copy is given to the recipient and the citation is printed in The Cardinal.
- A laminated or framed certificate that includes the name of the recipient, the date of presentation and signed by the President on behalf of the Board of Directors is given to the recipient.
- It is the responsibility of the Awards Committee to arrange to have the citation printed and the certificate prepared in readiness to be presented to the recipient.
Background
This award was created in 2004.