Environmental Heroes Doug McFee, left, of the Salmon River Enhancement Society, and Bruce Van Garderen of Maples Discovery Gardens, plant a northern spy apple tree at the National Historic Site on Saturday.
Natasha JONES/Langley Times


“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” — Rachel Carson
It might be a stretch to say that were it not for Rachel Carson, MP Mark Warawa might not have his job as parliamentary secretary to Environment Minister Jim Prentice.

Carson, an American marine biologist and nature writer, is credited with spearheading the environmental movement worldwide. To many she is the first global environmental hero.

Langley has its own environmental heroes, people who, as individuals or heads of companies, juggle the responsibilities of family and work to ensure that the air we breathe, the soil in which we plant our vegetables, and the streams which bear fish are healthier today than they were yesterday.
On Saturday, Warawa presided over the fifth Langley Environmental Heroes ceremony, held in the orchard at the National Historic Site in Fort Langley where the winners, Doug McFee and Bruce Van Garderen, planted a northern spy apple tree. Like the environment, the orchard needs constant attention and nurturing so that it can withstand the threats from the elements and the neglect of humans. The first of the old fruit trees, likely planted in the 1870s, are gradually being replaced.

McFee, a family doctor and father of three, received several nominations. This is an excerpt of what they said:
“Doug has almost singlehandedly promoted the objectives of the Salmon River Enhancement Society for the past 15 years, and spends much of his free time presenting his well thought-out positions on local environmental issues.” — Win Bromley.

“Words cannot describe what this citizen has done, and is doing, for the environment . . . He works tirelessly for saving the farmland, rivers and air quality.” — Bays Blackhall.

“He has a sincere and abiding interest not only for the ecological and environmental health of the river itself, but for the many steams that lead into it and the surrounding lands. He is a true environmental steward who works tirelessly for the good health and quality of life in our community.” — Rhys Griffiths.
The Times is one of the sponsors of the Environmental Heroes awards, and publisher Dwayne Weidendorf noted that the other winner, Van Garderen, operates the non-profit Maples Discovery Gardens at 7743-200 St.

Van Garderen, nominated by Carol Marks, uses no pesticides on his plants and soils, and freely dispenses advice about organic gardening and composting.
“It is a great place to bring kids on field trips as they teach about the environment and how to keep it clean. I watched a teacher unload a van full of teenagers the other day. He was teaching them how to grow an organic garden,” Marks wrote in her nomination letter.
For the next year, Van Garderen and McFee will be Langley’s environmental ambassadors and, said Warawa, will take their message of environmental stewardship to all of Langley.

Warawa, who noted on a recent trip to the U.S. that recycling was virtually absent, applauded McFee and Van Garderen “as examples to the rest of us.”
“Recognition is important because the winners are role models and give encouragement to others,” Warawa said, adding he hoped they would inspire others to work towards a healthier environment.