Unceded Algonquin Territory – Ottawa, ON | October 22, 2025

Nature Canada is proud to announce Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger as the second recipient of the Mabel Frances Whittemore Award, honouring women whose leadership has left an indelible mark on global conservation.

The award commemorates Mabel Frances Whittemore, an educator and nature lover whose mission was to share her wonder of the outdoors with young people. Today, that spirit of inspiration lives on in the leadership of women like Beresford-Kroeger, trailblazers who combine knowledge, courage, and vision to protect the planet for generations to come.

Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger

“Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s leadership exemplifies the essence of the Whittemore Award, women empowering others to take action and care for nature with vision, knowledge, and heart. Her ability to inspire understanding and appreciation of the vital role of forests embodies the true spirit of the Mabel Frances Whittemore Award,” said Emily McMillan, Executive Director of Nature Canada.

Dr. Beresford-Kroeger is a world-recognized author, medical biochemist, and botanist whose life’s work has revealed the power of trees and forests to heal both the Earth and humanity. A scientist and storyteller, she bridges modern research with traditional wisdom to show how one person’s actions, such as planting a single tree, can contribute to large-scale change.

“If each of us planted one tree every year for the next six years, we could heal the Earth together, bringing back fresh water, stabilizing the climate, and giving food and shelter to all living things,” says Beresford-Kroeger.

Through bestselling books, award-winning films, and international advocacy, she has amplified the voices of nature and inspired millions to explore the intersection of trees, healing and climate change.

The award will be presented by Emily McMillan this evening at the special reception hosted by Women for Nature’s Honorary Chair, Senator Rosa Galvez to celebrate women’s achievements for nature. We are grateful to Diana for her visionary leadership.

Our thanks to Baker Tilly – the Whittemore Award sponsor, The Royal Bank of Canada, The Cooperators Andrew Smith Insurance, The RaeLipskie Partnership, Desjardins Insurance, The Sitka Foundation, Octopus Thinking Advisory Services, Shauna Moran Consulting and, Allegra Printing for sponsoring the celebration at the Senate of Canada.

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For more information contact:
Scott Mullenix
media@naturecanada.ca 

Nature Canada is Canada’s voice for nature. For over 85 years, Nature Canada has helped protect nearly 144 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and countless species. Today, Nature Canada represents a network of over 250,000 members and supporters and more than 1,200 nature organizations.

Women for Nature is the collaborative voices of Canadian women with vision – women of influence who chose to demonstrate their passion for nature and pass their values on to others to drive change. Women for Nature is comprised of professional women from across Canada – this unique partnership of motivated and influential women champion Nature Canada’s work to protect and restore nature and inspire future nature leaders.