The Landscapes proved this year that development and conservation can go hand in hand. It was announced that the resort on Lake of Bays has won one of the annual Muskoka Heritage Foundation’s Natural Heritage Committee stewardship awards.

Dave Smith, project manager at The Landscapes, says the award is in recognition of the hard work of everyone involved with the fractional ownership development, for their efforts in preserving the habitat and conserving the land at the waterfront property on Lake of Bays.

“Back when the original resort was constructed many of the buildings were placed right at the shoreline,” he said. “There were also large wooden docks along most of the length of the property. When we started rebuilding the property for The Landscapes the first thing we did was demolish the docks and old properties and move the new ones away from the water.

“We naturalized the shoreline and left most of it undeveloped. This is better for the health of the lake and our owners prefer it that way.”

As well as focusing on the shoreline, The Landscapes carried out major storm water management work and a landscaping project that added a lot of native plants to the property.

“It wasn’t just a case of putting in a few plants and claiming the development was natural,” said Smith. “We removed a lot of species that would not normally be found in Muskoka and added native mature trees from a farm near Dwight.”

For the work, the Heritage Foundation’s Natural Heritage Committee awarded the development a Natural Heritage Stewardship Award.

“Talk is cheap,” says Smith. “It is one thing, as developers, to say we are going to make sure we do what we can to improve our environment; it is another thing to actually do it. This award is great as it recognizes what we have achieved. We knew from the start our owners and their guests would want a natural and peaceful setting when they arrive in Muskoka and we have worked hard to help Mother Nature do her thing here.”

Other Natural Heritage Stewardship awards went to:

• Jane Earthy, Sue Tatrallyay, Marion Sinclair of Rocky Island on Mary Lake for preserving the natural habitat and conserving the land;

• Tim Lash, Lash Point, Lake Rosseau for preserving the habitat of the natural shoreline;

• Paint Lake Ratepayers Association, Lake of Bays for creating an environmentally focused lake plan;

• The Township of Lake of Bays for creating a sustainable Development Permit System;

• Town of Gravenhurst for improvements to the natural features of Muskoka Bay.

Built & Cultural Heritage Awards were awarded to:

• Ken and Marilyn Judd for conserving and restoring Juddhaven Guest House;

• Ken Medley and the Muskoka Pioneer Power Association for conserving and restoring Peake Barn at the J.D. Lang Park;

• Doris Monahan, from the congregation of the Madill Church, for conserving the church;

• The Township of Muskoka Lakes and the Wall Committee for conserving and promoting the rich history of Port Carling and area;

• Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre for conserving and promoting Muskoka’s boating heritage.

An awards ceremony and reception will be held in Huntsville at the Partners Hall in the Algonquin Theatre, on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. to honour volunteers and award winners and to recognize those who have helped to maintain and restore the natural heritage of Muskoka.