Jeff Tribe receives LPRCA stewardship recognition

Doug Brunton, chair of the LPRCA, on the left, presents the 2025 Stewardship Award to Jeff Tribe on March 6. (Chris Abbott Photo)

Chris Abbott, Post Correspondent

It’s safe to say Jeff Tribe is not a fan of Ontario consolidating its conservation authorities, first announced in the fall of 2025, and recently amended on March 10.

Tribe is the 2025 recipient of Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s Stewardship Award, awarded annually to an individual or group for their contribution to the natural heritage within the Long Point Region watershed.

A journalist, photographer, videographer, content creator and farmer, Tribe is passionate about the environment, said Doug Brunton, chair of the LPRCA board of directors, presenting the award at the LPRCA Annual General Meeting March 6 in Tillsonburg.

With the help of Ducks Unlimited Canada, Tribe facilitated a wetland restoration project on his family farm resulting in 1.4 acres of newly created wetland, including two wetland cells, several smaller water features, and 8.9 acres of surrounding upland habitat.

Around the wetland, 450 trees and shrubs were planted. Most recently, another 550 trees were planted through Forests Canada’s 50 Million Tree Planting Program.

“Supporting the conservation of natural resources in the Long Point Region watershed is critical, optimizing and maintaining the health of the watershed,” said Brunton. “Thank you for your valuable contributions, Jeff.”

“My dad (Harry Tribe) was a tree planter who saw himself as a steward rather than owner of the land,” said Tribe, noting the family’s ‘duck ponds’ have been formally named ‘The Harry & Jessie Wetland’ in honour of his parents.

“Dad spent his lifetime bringing surviving maple saplings along. It’s a ‘thing’ to me that I tapped those trees for the third year on Wednesday, and with help from Harry’s great-grandchildren, continue to produce maple syrup from their sap.”

Tribe said the family’s association with LPRCA is also multi-generational.

“Dad sourced trees to plant a wood break, I can remember hoeing as a small child, somewhere around 60 years ago. The LPRCA planted 500 walnuts and 270 red oak, infilled with white pine… around 40 years ago. More recently, there were the 450 mixed trees and shrubs.”

He noted the help of several organizations, including Stewardship Oxford and LPRCA, was important in creating the wetland/tree area.

“The wetland has attracted a variety of ducks and geese… and we have received much enjoyment from the thought a wide range of other wildlife enjoys the habitat – frogs, turtles, fireflies, birds, and even snakes…”

Collaborative partnerships with organizations like the LPRCA help make it happen, he said, “providing consultation, expertise, guidance, and ‘boots on the ground.’

“I would also like to emphasize the importance of long-term relationships with LOCAL representatives like Paul Gagnon. Paul is helpful, knowledgeable and informative. His years of lived conservation experience in this area are a huge benefit to both the CA and the land owners he interacts with.

“It concerns me when I hear there is a plan to consolidate the CAs across Ontario. As a land owner, I don’t want to dial 1-800-Rent-a-Parachute-Consultant when we’re considering a project for the Tribe Ranch. We want Paul – or other local (staff) we’ve had the pleasure of dealing with over many generations.”

People who live here, Tribe concluded, and people who have a passion for conservation in this area, “create a level of comfort, trust and confidence to move forward.”