Longtime OFAH member named the recipient of the Larry Wallace Memorial Award
PETERBOROUGH – Greg Balch has a long history of dedication to fostering the next generation of youth conservationists, and that dedication has been recognized by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Balch, who hails from London, Ontario, has been selected as the winner of the 2019 Larry Wallace Memorial Award, given each year to the person or persons who have helped ensure the future of conservation by sharing their experience, knowledge and love of the outdoors with youth. Larry Wallace was a long-time OFAH member, zone chair, director and dedicated conservationist. He had a keen interest in introducing youth to the wonders of the outdoors and recognized that youth were key to the future of hunting and angling, and much of the same can be said about Balch.
“Greg’s passion (for youth conservation) is evident when speaking to him,” read a passage in the nomination supplied courtesy OFAH Zone J Secretary Treasurer and 2nd Alternate Director, Kathy Moore.
Of the many initiatives Balch has spearheaded over the years, his greatest impact on the next generation of conservationists has occurred through his Community Wildlife Workshops. This travelling program teaches groups of youth about hunting, fishing, trapping, the food chain and Canadian history — and is free of charge. Balch started these workshops in 1993, bringing them to local church groups, scouts and cubs, schools and youth groups. Last year he was invited to deliver his workshop to groups in Nova Scotia as well.
A regular attendee with the OFAH Zone J Youth Camp and the Youth Outdoors Day at Luther Marsh, Balch’s workshops are in high demand. By the end of 2018, it was estimated the Balch, now a three-time winner of the Larry Wallace Award, has delivered his workshop to more than 165,000 people.
Balch has been a member of the OFAH since 1987 and a member of the Ontario Fur Managers Federation since 1996. He has also served in many capacities with the Wellington Street Sportmen’s Club since 1993, including three stints as their president (1996, 1998-2005 and 2007-2011. He currently sits as past president with the club.
OFAH representatives will present Balch with the Larry Wallace Memorial Award at a club meeting on May 9.
With 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 740-member clubs, the OFAH is the leading non-profit fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario. For more information visit us online at www.ofah.org, follow us on Twitter @ofah and find us on Facebook or Instagram @theofah.
For more information, contact:
Brian Moore,
Chair of OFAH Zone J
519-919-1520
Shawn Cayley,
OFAH Manager of Communications
705-748-6324 ext. 270