Call for Submissions: 2015 Nature Inspiration Awards from the Canadian Museum of Nature

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 19, 2015) - Nominations are now being accepted for the second annual Nature Inspiration Awards, a national awards program created by the Canadian Museum of Nature to celebrate innovative programs that engage Canadians with nature and the natural world.

The submission deadline is April 30, 2015. A jury will select the winners in each category and a gala to celebrate the finalists and announce the winners will be held November 4 at the museum in downtown Ottawa. The awards are supported by media partners The Walrus and the Globe and Mail.

"It was truly inspiring to recognize the amazing projects, people and organizations that won the inaugural awards, and we are eager to build on their success for the 2015 awards," says Meg Beckel, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature and Chair of the selection jury. "So many Canadians are touched by nature, and either know an organization or person that is committed to encouraging a healthy and creative engagement with the natural world. We hope to see their achievements reflected in this new call for submissions."

Five categories of applicants are eligible for the Nature Inspiration Awards: youth (aged 17 and younger-group or individual), individuals (aged 18 and up), not-for-profit organizations (small to medium-sized, and large) and corporations. New this year is support for the Youth award from sponsor TD Bank Group.

Entries can come from a direct application by the individual or organization, or through a third-party nomination. Through an essay, as well as supporting documentation, applicants must demonstrate leadership, innovative best practices and accomplishments that encourage a positive interaction with the natural world. Guidelines and application forms are available at nature.ca/awards. Each of the five awards includes $5,000 to be donated to a program chosen by the recipient. For more information, email awards@mus-nature.ca.

Recipients of the 2014 Nature Inspiration Awards included Alana Krug-MacLeod, a Saskatoon teen who advocates for action against climate change; Mylène Paquette from Montreal, an ocean adventurer speaking up for marine conservation; Evergreen, a Toronto-based not-for profit that introduces inner-city kids to nature; Earth Rangers from Woodbridge, Ontario, a group that educates schoolchildren about wildlife conservation; and Cascades Inc, of Kingsey Falls in Quebec's Eastern townships, a company that pioneered the recycling of paper products. Videos about each of the winners can be seen at nature.ca.

About the Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national museum of natural history and natural sciences. The museum provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature's past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a 10.5 million specimen collection, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic web site, nature.ca.