Amphibian Conservation Club Receives CWF Youth Conservation Award

The Amphibian Conservation Club-a kid-run-club, comprised of 10 home learning students who range in age from seven to 14-years-old-received the 2004 Canadian Wildlife Federation Youth Conservation Award.

Gabrielle Félio, the group's 12-year-old founder and leader accepted the award on behalf of the club. The Youth Conservation Award recognizes youth groups who have undertaken wildlife, habitat, and conservation projects or activities.

"This group of children is inspiring," said Colin Maxwell, CWF Executive Vice President. "Their dedication and enthusiasm have inspired others to take action. What they have accomplished is truly remarkable."

The club began as an educational and conservation awareness club focusing on amphibians found in the greater Ottawa region. After discovering thriving habitat on Petrie Island in the Ottawa River slated to be turned into a parking lot, the club sprang into action and initiated a translocation effort.

They recruited 85 families and over a period of a few months they saved more than 145 frogs, along with tadpoles, fish, insects, plants, a turtle and a muskrat. The kids adopted a protected habitat about a kilometer away and worked throughout the summer and fall of 2003 to relocate their amphibious friends.

In the process, the club raised public awareness of conservation and preservation of Petrie Island. Their conservation efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Amphibian Conservation Club has received praise from as far afield as France, Ireland, Hong Kong and the US. The educational community, experts in the field and other conservation organizations have learned about the Club's efforts through their web site at http://www.acckids.ca/.

On Sunday, December 12, 2004 ten members of the Amphibian Conservation Club received the Arbour Youth Award from the Arbour Environmental Foundation in Ottawa. The students were recognized for their contributions and activities to support the frog and wildlife rescue at Petrie Island. Each was awarded a framed certificate and a pewter tadpole. The event took place at Little Ray's Reptile World in Gloucester where the award winners were treated to a personal tour following the award presentation.