Individuals and organisations whose work helps to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage have been recognised for their efforts.

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were held at the organisation’s Verdmont Museum on Thursday.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, and Mark Orchard, the Bermuda National Trust president, presented the awards.

Mr Orchard said: “This year's recipients have demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership and passion in their respective fields.

“Their efforts not only protect our heritage today but inspire future generations to value and care for it.

“On behalf of the trust, I extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to all of our award winners and nominees.”

The Palmetto Award — the BNT’s highest honour, which falls in the charity’s Service to the Trust category — was presented to the Christian Humann Foundation.

It came in recognition of the institution’s “outstanding financial support” of the BNT for more than 30 years.

The Michael Darling Shield for Heritage Education was awarded to Paget Primary School for its whole-school project, Bermuda Heroes.

The project encourages students to research and interview individuals they consider community heroes.

The Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation received a Heritage Education Certificate for its impactful programmes that enable young people to explore Bermudian identity, history and culture through art, gardening and creative education.

Elliot Primary School also received a Heritage Education Certificate for its whole-school project, Legacy of Excellence: A Black Bermudian Gallery.

Andrew Stevenson received the Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact for his conservation and advocacy efforts on whales.

The Cedar Award for Cultural Heritage went to the City of Hamilton for the Fort Hamilton restoration project.

A Cultural Heritage Certificate was awarded to former BNT president Henry Ming for his dedicated and longstanding service as the BNT’s representative on the St George’s Preservation Authority.

The DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award was presented to Horst Augustinovic, an independent researcher, author and collector whose passion for Bermuda’s history has resulted in a remarkable body of published work.

Meredith Ebbin, whose Bermuda Biographies website has become an invaluable public resource, also received a DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for her efforts.

Natural Heritage Certificates were awarded to Appleby, OBMI and Skyport for the 100 Cedars Project at the airport.

Janice Hetzel also received a Natural Heritage Certificate for her tireless advocacy on behalf of Bermuda’s natural heritage and decades of service dedicated to protecting the island’s open spaces and biodiversity.

Nekorrah Raynor picked up the Outstanding Young Environmentalist Award in recognition of his passionate advocacy for the preservation of Southlands National Park.

The Friends of Verdmont Group received the President’s Award in recognition of many years of dedicated work enhancing the Verdmont gardens through the removal of invasive species.

BNT’s Staff Long Service Awards Certificates were presented to Vincent Chaves, head of finance, Donella Perinchief, accounts administrator, and Duane Symonds, building maintenance specialist in recognition of 15 years of dedicated service to the BNT.

Karen Border, the executive director of the BNT, was recognised for five years of service.