Harold Parker
Nominating Agency: Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

Harold Parker has been a committed steward of the land for all of his life. A 5th generation farmer, Harold has always believed that the land should be passed on to the next generation in better condition that when you received it. As a landowner, he placed his property under a woodlot management program with the Ministry of Natural Resources. For four decades, Harold and his family have been planting shrubs and trees on the property which over time has resulted in a considerable wildlife habitat.

For the past 35 years, Harold has been a key figure within the Nottawasaga Valley watershed with regards to environmental issues and solutions. His life-long involvement with what is now known as the Internationally Significant Minesing Wetlands has ensured that Harold’s name is synonymous with the environmental health of this area. For decades, he has volunteered his time and provided the Ministry of Natural Resources with information concerning areas of concern within and around the Minesing Wetland. Harold’s ability to recognize long term environmental concerns and his ability to develop both corrective and preventative plans has had significant benefits for the long-term integrity of the Minesing Wetland and the Nottawasaga Valley watershed.

As a member of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s executive committee and later Chairman, Harold headed the fundraising efforts of the Nottawasaga Foundation for the construction of the John L. Jose Environmental Learning Centre. He also initiated the process of having the Minesing Wetlands designated as an Internationally Significant Ramsar Wetland.

Today, Harold remains an active director of “Friends of Minesing Wetlands” – a group of which he is a founding member. He continues to address service clubs, schools on the merits of land stewardship and still hosts visits from Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and various other groups on the family’s property.

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