Ralph Bird Award Recipient 2018
President's Award Recipient 2003
Lewis was able to retire in 2005 having spent 17 years being a force for change as an ecologist with the Canadian Forces. Before that, he also worked for the Canadian Wildlife Service. Having a long-term interest in policy, writing, and working with others, he wanted to make a difference and do something for our feathered friends. Chimney Swift populations were in decline and being an urban species, Lewis realised that this would be an ideal focus for a conservation program in Manitoba. In 2006 the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative was established primarily due to Lewis' organisation, team-building and vision. A steering committee was put together from interested organisations, and Lewis, initially as a board member of Nature Manitoba, has served on it ever since. Over the years Lewis has been able to use his professional experience to help guide and grow an initiative which in 2017 had almost 100 volunteers. He has participated in many stewardship and monitoring efforts, being involved in early efforts to establish artificial habitat and always being on hand to help with monitoring. Lewis is deserving of wider recognition, not just for his vision and ideas, but also for his long-term commitment to the conservation of Manitoba's Chimney Swifts.