Town teen wins OFAH award

Innisfil resident Michael John Evers Jr., right, recently received the Heritage Junior Award from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

With youth spending more and more time at their computers, it is refreshing to meet a teenager who is still connected to the outdoors, and actively engaged in conservation activities.

In recognition of his efforts and leadership, Michael John Evers Jr. of Innisfil was the recipient of a provincial award by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

Evers was presented with the OFAH Heritage Junior Award at the organization's 80th annual general meeting and fish and wildlife conference, held recently in Mississauga.

President Jack Hedman made the presentation during the OFAH awards banquet and praised Evers' commitment to the environment.

"Michael's list of conservation work and outdoor accomplishments is a winning formula for other youth to follow," said Hedman. "He enjoys the outdoors and at the same time, works to protect and conserve our fish and wildlife. He is already an inspiration and a steward of our resources."

Evers was the very first member of the Barrie and District Hunters and Anglers Conservation Club's Get Outdoors program and remains active in the club today. The program supports youth conservation clubs across the province in encouraging respect for individual outdoor interests and promoting team participation in local environmental projects. Evers has worked on reforestation projects, stream improvement, Chinook salmon stocking, and conservation education. He also enjoys target shooting, hunting, fishing, and camping with his family.