Healthy lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands are the foundation of life in Muskoka. They shape our well-being, support local livelihoods, and define the places we love to live, work, and spend time. But what makes Muskoka truly special isn’t only its natural beauty—it’s the people and organizations who show up, year after year, to care for it. The Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) is proud to continue recognizing and celebrating those stewards through the Doug Cross Stewardship Recognition Program in 2026.
Now entering its fifth year, the Doug Cross Stewardship Recognition Program was created in 2022 to help local non-profit and community organizations celebrate members who consistently go above and beyond to protect Muskoka’s watersheds. In 2025 alone, 10 organizations participated, recognizing individuals whose quiet leadership and stewardship make a meaningful difference across the region.
The program is named in honour of Doug Cross, a former MWC member whose background in media and communications played an important role in sharing watershed knowledge throughout Muskoka. Following his passing, MWC received a generous donation in 2020, which continues to support education, awareness, and recognition of strong watershed stewardship practices.
Eligible organizations can register each January to receive a free Stewardship Recognition Package, which they can award to a member of their choosing. Each package includes:
- A Certificate of Recognition
- A $50 gift card to Hidden Habitat Native Plant Nursery
What makes a good steward? From shoreline restoration and invasive species monitoring to education, advocacy, and thoughtful development that respects lakes, land, and natural limits, stewardship takes many forms. Long-term care of forests, wetlands, and shorelines and making responsible choices about how and where we build, are all part of protecting Muskoka’s environment. MWC provides selection criteria and ideas on its website, but each organization is encouraged to recognize stewardship in a way that best reflects its values and impact.
Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and register by January 31. Signing up takes only a few minutes.
For more information, please contact Kaitlyn, Watershed Program Coordinator or visit https://www.muskokawatershed.org/stewardship-awards.
