Project Watershed has announced its recipients of the 鈥淜eeping It Living鈥� award for 2023.

Each year, this esteemed award recognizes exceptional individuals or organizations that have displayed exemplary dedication to the protection and restoration of the K鈥櫭砿oks Estuary and its surrounding environment.

Jim Palmer and Pieter Rutgers were selected as dual recipients of this year鈥檚 award for their outstanding contributions to the Morrison Creek Headwaters acquisition project. Their relentless efforts and visionary leadership have significantly contributed to the Comox Valley Land Trust鈥檚 broader vision to preserve the entire headwaters. This accomplishment marks a pivotal step in safeguarding the Morrison Creek headwaters, one of the last untouched wilderness areas in the Valley.

The preservation of the Morrison Creek headwaters holds immense value in the long-term health and vitality of the K鈥櫭砿oks Estuary. As one of the river systems feeding into the Puntledge River and ultimately into the estuary, the protection of this pristine wilderness area is crucial to maintaining the ecological balance and integrity of our estuarine ecosystem.

In recognition of their remarkable achievements, the Keeping it Living award was posthumously presented to Kate Brown and Janet Gemmel, Jim and Pieter鈥檚 spouses, at the 2023 Keeping It Living dinner, at 40 Knots Winery on Sept. 9.

Project Watershed is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and dedicated individuals like Jim Palmer and Pieter Rutgers, who have played an integral role in protecting and restoring this beautiful Valley.