Forests Canada Honours Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority’s Donna Lacey

• National charity Forests Canada is dedicated to conserving, restoring, and growing Canada’s forests. The organization’s systems-based approach to restoration, specialized expertise in forest recovery efforts, and trusted partnerships help strengthen the long-term health and resilience of Canada’s forest landscapes.

Toronto, Ont. (July 16, 2026) – At Forests Canada’s Annual Planting Partner Meeting at Albion Hills Conservation Area in June, the organization honoured Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) Manager of Forestry and Lands Donna Lacey with its Most Valuable Planter (MVP) Award.

Since 1998, Lacey has been involved in the planting of over 2.5 million trees throughout four counties served by the SVCA. These 2.5 million trees are now providing wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, storing carbon, reducing erosion, and improving the health of forests and communities throughout the region.

Lacey began her career at the SVCA as a Forest Technician and, over the course of nearly three decades, worked her way through the organization to become Manager of Forestry and Lands.

During her time with the organization, Lacey – who is an Associate Professional Forester – has worked as a Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program plan approver, a certified tree marker, a certified seed collector, a licensed exterminator, a chainsaw operator, and even a provincial offences officer.

“Donna’s impact goes well beyond just her titles and the number of trees she has planted,” Jess Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Canada, says. “Through her work with landowners, municipalities, and community groups, she has inspired countless people to become better stewards of their own forests and natural spaces. Donna has a rare ability to connect with people – she is knowledgeable without being intimidating, honest without being harsh, and always willing to share her expertise.”

Currently, Lacey oversees SVCA's Forestry and Lands Department, including forestry operations across the organization’s 21,000 acres, 15 conservation areas, and three campgrounds – but she still had time to reflect upon winning Forests Canada’s MVP Award.

“I was really surprised and honoured,” Lacey says. “You don't do this kind of work expecting recognition, so it was pretty overwhelming to hear I'd been selected. I've been fortunate to work with a lot of great people over the years, so I really see this award as recognition of the work that we've all done together.”

Forests Canada’s MVP Award recognizes outstanding contributions to restoring ecosystem health through tree planting initiatives – something Lacey has exemplified during her tenure at the SVCA.

“Healthy forests benefit everyone – and every tree you plant is an investment in the future. You might not see the full impact right away, but over time, those trees become forests that future generations will experience and depend on,” Lacey says. “It is amazing to get to stand under a canopy of trees that you planted. It reminds you that the work we do today really can have a lasting impact.”

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Matthew Brown
Communications Manager
Forests Canada
Cell: 519-471-4751
E-mail: mbrown@ForestsCanada.ca

About Forests Canada

Forests Canada is a national charity working to conserve, restore, and grow Canada’s forests to sustain life and communities. With interactive education programs inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, and high-quality forest recovery efforts supporting local jobs and economies, we have proudly built the infrastructure and network needed to help ensure the greatest possible outcomes for Canada's forests from coast to coast to coast.

Learn how you can get involved today. Visit www.ForestsCanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn to find out more.