Peter Russell wins Ontario Heritage Award

Thursday, March 1, 2012
by Sharon McFarlane, interim Communications Officer, Faculty of Science

Peter Russell with fake dinosaur
Peter Russell (left, the one flashing the smaller set of teeth), curator of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Museum, was named a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award (PDF).

This prestigious annual award recognizes volunteers and communities for outstanding contributions in the identification, preservation and promotion of Ontario’s heritage over a period of 25 years.
“Conserving our heritage is an integral part of preserving the quality of life we enjoy here in Ontario,” said the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “I’m delighted to recognize these volunteers and communities for their outstanding achievements.”
In addition to helping found the museum, Peter also volunteers his time teaching and introducing children to the wonders of the geological exhibits in the museum and at the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival. He has written several books on related topics and founded the stunning rock garden here on campus. Most recently Peter has been instrumental in the creation of the simulated mining tunnel which connects Biology 1 and EIT.
Russell was nominated by the Region of Waterloo, which was also awarded a Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award in the Community Leadership category.
The Lieutenant Governor presented the awards to the Peter and 14 other recipients at an awards ceremony at Queen’s Park on Friday, February 24.