Langley’s 2014 Environmental Heroes were honoured during the Canada Day event at Willoughby Community Park on July 1.
Langley MP Mark Warawa and members of the 2014 nominations committee handed out the awards.
“Many Langley residents are passionate about the environment and recognize that environmental stewardship is an integral part of preserving Langley’s communities, forests, rivers and wildlife.
“That’s why we started the Langley Environmental Hero Awards,” said Warawa.
“These awards highlight the incredible work of Langley’s Environmental Heroes.”
The 2014 Langley Environmental Hero Awards were given in two categories: individual and business/organization. In the individual category, Dianne Kask won the prestigious award for her 12 years of dedicated service to promoting the environment at Parkside Centennial Elementary School in Aldergrove.
Two organizations were awarded Environmental Hero Awards: the Arboretum and Botanical Society of Langley won an award for the many hours of work spent enhancing the Derek Doubleday Arboretum.
President Les Clay accepted the award.
Roots and Wings Montessori School also won the award for practicing ecological principles and for educating its students about sustainable living. Principal Kristin Cassie accepted the award.
“The nominations committee was very impressed with the high calibre of this year’s applications,” said Warawa.
“We want to thank all nominees for making a difference in our community.”
The committee is made up of representatives from each of the sponsoring organizations: Frank Bucholtz from the Langley Times, Mike Starr from Fort Langley National Historic Site, Sarah Atherton from Langley Environmental Partners Society, and Warawa.
The Langley Environmental Hero Award began in 2006 as a way to acknowledge Langley’s grassroots efforts, big and small, to protect the environment. Since its conception, this award has expanded to include distinct categories, this year being business/organization and individual.
Winners of the Environmental Hero Awards will be commemorated with a plaque and a heritage apple tree planted in their honour at the Fort Langley National Historic Site orchard in August.