The Nature Canada Awards constitute our heartfelt tribute to the hard work and dedication of these amazing individuals and organizations. All of our winners have proven themselves to be forces of nature, for nature!

The 2026 Jodi Joy Volunteer for Nature Award: Penny Nelson

Penny Nelson’s passionate leadership has made Lions Bay, BC the first small town to be certified as Bird Friendly. As the founder of Bird Friendly Lions Bay, Penny has inspired residents and local leaders to protect wild birds, restore habitat, and embrace biodiversity — creating a shining example of community-led bird conservation.

After a devastating incident in 2021 when tree work in nesting season killed around 20 nestling birds, Penny helped Nature Canada staff to tailor the Bird Friendly Certification to smaller communities like Lions Bay. Since then, Penny has helped coach and onboard Bird Friendly Teams in Squamish, Comox, and Bowen Island in BC.

Bird Friendly Lions Bay continues to run community events including shoreline clean-ups, World Migratory Bird Day events, bioblitzes and bird monitoring, birding walks, educational activities for schools and families, and a community newsletter.

Through her tireless volunteer work and support for other communities across BC, Penny continues to make a lasting difference for nature.

Watch their video.

Learn more about Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly Certification program.

The 2026 Jodi Joy Volunteer for Nature Award: Sharolyn Mathieu Vettese

As both a mentor and committee lead with Women for Nature’s Mentorship Program, Sharolyn Mathieu Vettese has helped inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders in conservation.

As a mentor, Sharolyn inspires others to recognize their own ability to lead, influence, and create meaningful change for nature and within their communities. As a committee lead, she has helped cultivate a community of women prepared to use their voices, leadership, and influence to create positive and lasting change.

Her work with Women for Nature demonstrates how one person’s willingness to share their experience and invest in others can inspire meaningful change that continues well beyond their own involvement.

Her genuine commitment to supporting others has strengthened the Women for Nature community and created a lasting ripple effect of encouragement and leadership.

Learn more about Nature Canada’s Women for Nature program.