Volunteer Award Nominations

Updated Sept. 19, 2011

Although Parks and Protected Areas truly appreciates everyone's efforts in makings our volunteer program successful and meaningful in so many ways, each year we take great pride in honouring those that supersede all expectations and inspire us all through their spirit of giving and dedication. However because we have so many volunteer program and initiatives spreadout all over the province, we need your help to spot and recognize these outstanding performances that embody the true nature of volunteerism.

We therefore ask for your assistance in reviewing each of the awards and nominate to us by May 15th , those individuals and organizations that are truly deserving of these provincial recognitions. Nomination submissions are encouraged from staff of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and other affiliated departments (e.g. Environment & Sustainable Resource Development), volunteers and the general public. To nominate please review the award descriptions below, complete the online Nomination Form and submit by May 15th.

A subcommittee of the PPA Volunteer Coordinating Committee will review all nominations submitted by May 15th and will choose the award recipients for each category. The subcommittee may choose to not present an award should insufficient nominations be received or present more than one award within any of the categories.

In all instances, the PPA Volunteer Coordinating Committee will ensure successful nominees are personally invited to the Awards Banquet.

We will also contact you should your nomination be successful, so you can plan to attend the Banquet to honour your award nominee. Due to limited reserve seating, please contact us in advance to express your intent to attend.

Award Descriptions

The following are the PPA Award Descriptions. Please read carefully prior to completing the Nomination Form.

Green Shield Award
Presented to an individual or organization whose volunteer efforts has made significant contributions to the preservation or conservation of land, water, ecosystems and/or the plants and animals that live there. Nominees for this award have invested extensive time, spanning numerous years to qualify. (This special award was introduced in 2001 to honour the International Year of the Volunteer)

Campground Host Hospitality Award
Presented to an individual or couple who through their volunteering as Campground Hosts, have consistently delivered outstanding hospitality service. Nominees have volunteered considerable hours either within whole seasons or over a number of years at one or more sites.

Special Event Volunteerism Award
Presented to the host(s) of a special event held within or on behalf of a site(s), who demonstrated effective management and meaningful involvement of volunteers, resulting in increased interest and support for parks and protected areas and/or volunteerism.

Facility Enhancement Award
Presented to individuals or organizations who have greatly contributed to the maintenance or enhancement of PPA's facility infrastructure, through volunteer efforts supporting trails, signs, buildings, etc.

Parks and Protected Areas Achievement Award
Presented to an individual who through their volunteer activities has affected a park, protected area, staff, customers, project or program in a special or significant way.

Partnership Appreciation Award
Presented to a cooperating association, partnering agency or group who through their work with Parks and Protected Areas, have made considerable contributions to PPA's programs, services or facilities.

Steward Service Excellence Award
Presented to an individual or a group identified for their long-term commitment and consistent demonstration of the spirit of stewardship. Through their dedication, positive attitude and actions, they have benefited their protected area and the Volunteer Steward Program.

Steward Champion Award - NEW!!!
Presented to an individual or organization whose have demonstrated a long term commitment to building a community of actively participating citizens who are connected to Alberta's natural landscapes.

Outstanding Individual Steward Award
Presented to an individual, couple or family who through recent efforts contributed considerably to the preservation and/or appreciation of their protected area (e.g. time, special project).

Outstanding Group Steward Award
Presented to a group or organization that through recent efforts, contributed considerably to the preservation and/or appreciation of their protected area (e.g. time, special project).

Teamwork Award
Presented to a business operating within a Parks and Protected Areas' site, which demonstrates a positive team attitude and approach, resulting in considerable support to a volunteer program or initiative (beyond the call of duty), enabling volunteers and PPA to better serve the interests of the public.

PPA Staff Awards for Their Contributions to Volunteerism:

Staff Lifetime Volunteerism Achievement Award
Presented to a staff member who through their cumulative accomplishments spanning their career, have had a significant impact on volunteerism that supported PPA's goals, customer service, or preservation of land, water or ecosystems including the plants and animals that live there. Staff member will have previously been recognized earlier in their career with the Volunteer Leadership Award.

Volunteer Leadership Award
Presented to a staff member who develops and/or contributes in a considerable way to the success of PPA volunteerism, through efforts at a local or provincial level, over and above routine expectation of their employment.

For more information about Volunteering in Alberta's Outdoors email Parks Volunteer .