SAM Conservation Fund
In 2013, SAM members established an externally managed charitable endowment fund and continue to build its balance over time. The long-term vision for this fund is to become a provincial source of funding for habitat stewardship and conservation. Annual earnings from the fund may be used to support SAM’s operations, increase public awareness of SAM’s work, and contribute to conservation activities undertaken by SAM members and the wider Newfoundland and Labrador conservation community. The fund is intended to benefit municipalities, charitable partner organizations, and other members of the conservation community undertaking environmentally focused projects. In the shorter term, a portion of the fund’s earnings supports the SAM Environmental Stewardship Awards, including the SAM Student Scholarship.
SAM Environmental Steward Award
The SAM Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses that have gone above and beyond in their communities to support wildlife habitat stewardship. The award celebrates those whose responsible management and conservation of wildlife habitat and the environment in Newfoundland and Labrador exceed expectations.
What is wildlife habitat stewardship? Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to our care. Wildlife habitat and environmental stewardship involves taking action to protect, conserve, restore, and responsibly manage the natural environment and the habitats that support wildlife.
The SAM Environmental Stewardship Award is presented in three categories. Recipients do not have to be from a SAM member municipality.
Innovative Organization – Business or Non-Profit/Community Group
This award recognizes a local business, non-profit organization, or community group that demonstrates significant innovation or achievement in environmental stewardship. Eligible initiatives may include projects, activities, or milestones that have a positive environmental impact, support wildlife habitat conservation, promote sustainability, or contribute to the community from an environmental perspective.
Award Levels:
2024 Innovative Organization - Corduroy Brook Nature Centre & Trail
The Corduroy Brook Nature Centre & Trail was awarded the SAM Environmental Steward Innovative Organization Award at the 2024 Spring AGM in Grand Falls-Windsor. Corduroy Brook Nature Centre & Trail is a great place to visit in the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor before heading out on the trail, get an up close experience of the flora and fauna found in the area. Running through the heart of Grand Falls-Windsor, the Corduroy Brook Nature Trail offers a relaxing wilderness experience for all ages and abilities.
The Corduroy Brook Enhancement Association (CBEA) is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to the restoration and preservation of the Corduroy Brook, and to build and maintain a system of accessible nature trails along its course. The Association was incorporated in 1994 and now boasts over 20 kilometres of nature trail, and related infrastructure including bridges and boardwalks, playgrounds, viewing platforms, rest areas, tent sites, and a comprehensive system of signage.
(Pictured L-R: Corduroy Brook's Environmental Technician-Riley Henniffent, SAM Executive Director-Zach Burrows, SAM Chair of the Board of Directors-Heidi Kolodniski, and Corduroy Brook's Executive Director-Barry Manuel.
Community Champion:
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated significant initiative or achievement in environmental stewardship in Newfoundland and Labrador. Recipients have made a positive environmental impact through their actions and contributions to conserving and protecting the natural environment, helping build healthier, more sustainable communities and a greener future.
2023 Individual Community Champion - Madeleine Florent (Torbay)
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
(Pictured L-R: 2023 Individual Community Champion Award Winner Madeleine Florent and SAM Chair of the Board of Directors Pat Woodford.)
Nomination Schedule: Innovative Organization and Community Champion nominations are considered ahead of SAM’s biannual meetings, held in the spring and fall. To be considered for an award, please submit your nomination before the meeting.
SAM Student Scholarship:
First awarded in 2015, the SAM Student Scholarship supports students whose interests, activities, and post-secondary goals demonstrate a commitment to wildlife habitat conservation and environmental stewardship in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: May 1st Annually
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, or be studying in the province;
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Be currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a post-secondary program during the upcoming academic year;
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Have demonstrated an active commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Applications should highlight the student's conservation involvement, educational focus, future career goals, and relevant community, volunteer, employment, or extracurricular activities.
2026 Student Scholarship Winner - Liam French
Liam is a passionate environmental advocate from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, whose connection to nature was shaped through time spent hiking the East Coast Trail, exploring Western Newfoundland, and working on local conservation projects with Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador. These experiences, along with his work as a summer student with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, fostered a deep appreciation for the connections between communities, culture, and the environment.
Liam recently graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment and will begin a Master’s in Geography at Carleton University in fall 2026. His graduate research will examine environmental impact and approval processes in Northern Canada in partnership with First Nations and Inuit organizations. Liam hopes to apply this knowledge to support conservation and climate adaptation efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador while advancing more sustainable approaches to resource development.
(Pictured: Liam French, winner of the SAM 2026 Student Scholarship.
How to Apply or Make a Nomination:
Applications are welcome from individuals applying for themselves or from those nominating another individual, organization, or business for an award.
To Apply or Make a Nomination, complete the SAM Environmental Stewardship Award application form and provide the information requested for the relevant award category. Note: Applicants for the SAM Student Scholarship must submit a current resume or CV and their most recent transcript of marks. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
For more information, or if you have questions about the Awards or the Application, please contact samconservation@gmail.com
SAM reserves the right not to present an award if there are no eligible applicants or nominees.