Dave Wolpin was one of the recipients of an award from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick on April 30 for his business, Dave's Produce Packs. (Dave's Produce Packs)

Environmentalists from across the province were recognized in Fredericton on Saturday night as the Conservation Council of New Brunswick handed out the annual Milton F. Gregg awards.

The awards are given in memory of Gregg who served in Canada's military during the First World War, was appointed chancellor of the University of New Brunswick, and later went on to be elected to Parliament and serve as a cabinet minister. When Gregg retired in 1969, he joined the Conservation Council and worked to stop the pollution of the Saint John River.

Dave Wolpin of Hampton was one of the recipients of the Gregg awards, accepting the prize for business achievement for his company, Dave's Produce Packs.

The 22-year-old delivers locally grown organic produce, free range eggs and bread to his customers on a weekly basis.

"I kind of feel like Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, because I'm not sure that after two years in production I deserve it, but certainly I plan to live up to it," Wolpin said. "It was an honour, and we really appreciate the boost of confidence."

Longtime forest biologist and environmentalist Robena Weatherley of Cambridge-Narrows was honoured for her lifetime of work.

The co-founder the Canaan-Washademoak Watershed Association in Queen's County said it's that lake that inspired her to work for cleaner water.

"I care very deeply about the conditions here, and about this lake. I guess I'm very attached to it — the whole watershed. I don't like to see it deteriorating, and it is," Weatherley said.

Elizabeth McLaughlin of Moncton received the award for environmental activism. An award for organizational achievement was given to the 60 members of the group, Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis. The group believes that potash mining and natural gas production is responsible for the loss of drinking water for 40 families.

Winners are selected by the Conservation Council's Board of Directors from nominations submitted by their membership. The Milton F. Gregg Conservation Awards have been presented annually since 1981.