Committed to the conservation, enhancement and stewardship of habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador

Madeleine Florent, a resident of the Town of Torbay, was awarded the SAM Community Champion Award at the 2023 Fall Business Meeting in Bay Roberts. Madeleine was recognized for her commitment to conservation, as demonstrated by fighting environmental issues and for the protection of sensitive and valuable areas (including walking trails and wetlands) within her municipality and beyond for many years. Whether it is her involvement with the schools in the town, or being a part of the Torbay Environment and Trails Committee (TETC), or working hand-in-hand with the Town Council on a number of projects, or serving on the Torbay Beach Committee, there is no doubt about Madeleine’s dedication to the Town and the environment. Other accomplishments include: involvement with the East Coast Trail Association, and installing nesting boxes with SAM, as well as tree planting in The Gully along with the Nature Conservancy of Canada

Linda Bailet, resident of the Town of Carmanville, was awarded the SAM Community Champion Award at the 2023 Fall Business Meeting in New-Wes-Valley.

Linda taught science and biology from 1987 until her retirement in 2013 in Carmanville. To support this life calling, Linda obtained her Bachelors degrees in Science and education from Memorial University and her Masters of Education from Memorial. Linda has been involved with many other volunteer activities over the years, both at local and provincial levels, and is an avid gardener, birdwatcher, and outdoors person.

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In 1995 until 2020, Linda was involved with the Carmanville Habitat Committee Inc, holding various formal roles over the years including including as Secretary and Chairperson. The Carmanville Habitat Committee operates and manages the Carmanville Wetland Interpretation Centre and its extensive Nature Trails. The Town of Carmanville has been a long time member of SAM and the wetlands associated with the Interpretation Center and Trails form an important part of its Municipal Habitat Conservation Agreement.

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Linda, as a civic minded person, was elected to two terms on council in Carmanville from 2009-2017. It was during this time that Linda attended her first SAM meeting in 2011. Linda was elected as SAM Vice-President in 2012, a role she held until 2015 and was subsequently elected as SAM President until 2017. During her time as President, SAM grew immensely in membership and in organizational capacity to implement its mandate through the hiring of staff.

Peter Reccord, resident of the Town of Labrador City, was awarded the SAM Environmental Steward Award in 2018 at the 2018 AGM in Labrador City. He has lived in Labrador City since August 1964. His dedication to service has been most notable in his work with the Labrador West Lions Club, an organization he has been a part of since 1970. Peter has held every executive position in the Labrador West Lions Club and has won numerous awards for his involvement. These awards include the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (1991) and the Life Membership Award (1990). 

Additionally, some of Peter' s notable involvements has been his work with the Anglican Church, Chairperson on the Labrador West Waste Management Committee and on the Organizing Committee of the Newfoundland Winter Games. The list of Peter's community involvements continues, showing his dedication to serving others in his community. As a part of the Labrador City Town Council, Peter served on numerous committees. Peter has also been extensively recognized by his colleagues and community having been awarded such honors as the Labrador City Builders Award, the Labrador City Adult Volunteer of the Year, the Labrador City Executive Member of the Year, the Citizen of the Year Award in 1989, the Provincial Pitcher Plant Award 1995-1996, NLSBA Leadership Award of Excellence 1995, the National Certificate of Merit for Community Contribution 1988 and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award 2013. These extensive awards are a testament to the history of service Peter had provided to his community and continues to provide.