At Forests Canada’s Annual Planting Partner Meeting at Albion Hills Conservation Area, the organization honoured Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) manager of forestry and lands Donna Lacey with its Most Valuable Planter (MVP) Award.
Since 1998, Lacey has been involved in the planting of more than 2.5 million trees throughout four counties (Bruce, Grey, Huron and Wellington) served by the SVCA. These 2.5 million trees are now providing wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, storing carbon, reducing erosion and improving the health of forests and communities throughout the region.
Lacey began her career at the SVCA as a forest technician and, over the course of nearly three decades, worked her way through the organization to become manager of forestry and lands.
During her time with the organization, Lacey – who is an associate professional forester – has worked as a Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program plan approver, a certified tree marker, a certified seed collector, a licensed exterminator, a chainsaw operator and even a provincial offenses officer.
“I was really surprised and honoured,” says Lacey. “You don’t do this kind of work expecting recognition, so it was pretty overwhelming to hear I’d been selected. I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of great people over the years, so I really see this award as recognition of the work that we’ve all done together.”
Currently, Lacey oversees SVCA’s forestry and lands department, including forestry operations across the organization’s 21,000 acres, 15 conservation areas and three campgrounds.