This year’s Volunteer awards were presented on 15th May, 2025 at the AGM.

Kaye and Charles Ney Award

The premier award of the Society for “lifetime” exemplary service and dedication to the Society. Active Directors of the Society are not eligible for this award until they have served more than 10 years as a Director.

This award was established in 1975 in memory of Kaye Ney by her husband and renamed after his death.

Denis Laplante & Teresa Gagné

Denis Laplante and Teresa Gagné are the joint recipients of the 2025 Kaye and Charles Ney Award for lifetime exemplary service to the Society.  Each of them deserves the award on their own merits.

Teresa and Denis joined Nature Vancouver in 2014 and immediately set to work making a mark on the organization.  Both have been active in the Botany Section, but Teresa in particular has taken turns at chairing the meetings of the Botany Section Committee.  Together they have led numerous botany field trips and have organized camping events such as the 2015 Bootanie Valley trip and the 2023 Juan de Fuca trail trip.

Teresa has also been an active member of the Camp Committee since at least 2019, with a particular focus on food and avoiding over-ordering and consequent food waste.  For the 2024 Manning Park camp, Teresa worked with the camp cooks to provide one of the best menus in years.  Teresa is now looking for new drive-in camp locations and alternative formats for camps to keep them going in future.

Teresa has contributed to the Society in other ways too numerous to recount.  She shares her love of plants with anyone who will listen, especially on field trips.  I’ve always found Teresa to be happy to answer my “what is this plant?” questions, even when I’m asking about a plant she’s identified for me multiple times before.  Teresa has given several Thursday evening presentations, including Nature Vancouver’s first online presentation on April 30th, 2020 when she gave “An Introduction to Seaweeds.”   Many of us also appreciate the poems she has selected for the e-News each week since 2020.

Speaking of e-News, I should add a few words about Denis.  

Denis has been largely responsible for making sure the weekly e-News gets sent out for many years now.  When I took on the webmaster role in 2018, Kelly Sekhon and Denis were both quite involved with e-News.  Kelly was busy wearing many hats and Denis stepped up to take on most of the work of making sure the e-News goes out every week.  That role became more vital when Nature Vancouver discontinued its quarterly print newsletter, the Vancouver Naturalist, in 2019.  There’s a lot of work that goes into putting together a quality newsletter and the work never stops when the newsletter comes out 52 times a year.  Denis continues to oversee e-News to this day.

We all owe Denis a debt of gratitude for his work to keep the society operating in the difficult years of 2020 and 2021.   When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to put a complete stop to all Nature Vancouver’s operations, it was Denis who worked out details of holding the Thursday night meetings online.  It was also Denis who found the first speakers, hosted the majority of the meetings in 2020 and later worked out the details of how to hold hybrid Nature Vancouver meetings, where the audience is both in person and online.  It’s in no small part thanks to Denis’ heroic efforts to keep the Society going that we are meeting here today.

In addition to their NV activities, Teresa and Denis are very active in the Golden Age Hiking Club and PeacePoppies.ca.  Their seemingly boundless energy is inspirational and maybe just a little bit daunting. Thank you, Teresa and Denis, for your dedication and service to Nature Vancouver over many years.  

Citation by Harvey Dueck

Davidson Award for Conservation

The Davidson award recognizes achievements by Society members in the area of conservation.

This award was established in 1993 in honour of Society founder Professor John Davidson, a vocal conservation advocate.

Joan Lopez

Joan Lopez has been a stalwart supporter of Nature Vancouver over the approximate past 23 years, primarily involved with the Marine Biology Section. With a BSc from UBC in Marine Biology she has followed her passion for marine life from Saskatchewan to BC as though drawn seaward by the Pacific whales, thanks to the books she read by Alexandra Morten. She worked in the Education Department at the Vancouver Aquarium for several years before pursuing her career as an interpreter with the Vancouver Whale Watching company in Steveston, in 2003. During those years, Joan became a popular tour guide, teaching the new recruits ‘the whale-watching’ ropes, while also volunteering at the Vancouver Aquarium. 

Meanwhile, in the mid-2000s, Joan began volunteering with the Marine Biology Section (MBS) as the acting liaison with the Vancouver Aquarium, then the MBS Field Trip Coordinator from 2006-2009, before moving into the MBS Committee Chair position in 2009. She competently held the Chair position for 15 years, enveloping the sometimes-chaotic events around COVID, the switch to online Zoom programs and associated technology and in person programs, while still searching down speakers, contacts, and project ideas for the MBS team. As a consequence, Joan became widely known and respected in the local, broader ‘marine biology field’ by professors and students, alike, in Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Washington State.

Then, feet-first down the ‘slippery slope’, as she liked to call it, Joan agreed to become President of Nature Vancouver holding that position from 2022-2024. During this time period, Joan facilitated new NV projects including the False Creek Oyster Project, English Bay Forage Fish Project, NV Photography Section, to name a few. But she landed solidly on her feet in 2024 when she and Jerome moved from Vancouver to Quadra Island. There her feet became fins as she and Jerome refocused on SCUBA diving, another passion of Joan’s that included underwater photography for which she has, over the years, won several First Prizes for her spectacular whale, and other marine life images. 

In spite of this distance away, Joan steadfastly kept her support and connection with MBS and fulfilled her Past President’s position commitments. Meanwhile, the members of the MBS team re-adjusted to new positions, trying to ‘fill her fins’ as it were, to ensure MBS continues as a dynamic entity of NV to provide recent, important research and information about the interesting, beautiful, charismatic AND essential marine life off BC coastal waters and in other parts of the world. 

On behalf of the MBS team, myself, Carolyn, Jennifer, Deborah, Naomi and Niamb, we are delighted to offer this Davidson Conservation award to such a deserving person. The Davidson Award was established in 1993 in honour of Society founder Professor John Davidson, a vocal conservation advocate. Thank you, Joan, for all your support and service to Nature Vancouver!!

Citation by Sheila Byers

Kay Beamish Award for Nature Education

The Beamish award recognizes achievements by Society members in the area of nature education and/or contributions in promoting the aims of the Society. This award was established in 1995 in honour of Katherine (Kay) Beamish, a distinguished botanist and long-time member of this Society.

Neill Vanhinsberg

Neill is a life-long birder, who has been active in the birding community for many years. He is an area leader for the Vancouver Circle of the Christmas Bird Count, and participates in a variety of Citizen Science projects such as the Pacific Northwest Raptor survey, the annual Fraser River Estuary IBA/KBA count, and the Birds Canada Shorebird Survey at Roberts Bank.

Over the past few years Neill has become very active in the birding section of Nature Vancouver.  In fact, in the past year Neill has been Nature Vancouver’s most prolific birding trip leader, leading at least 15 walks! 

Neil’s particular birding passion is education. Many of the walks Neill leads are Beginner’s bird walks as he is keen to introduce folks to birding and loves to share his extensive knowledge of local birds and their preferred habitats, habits, and calls. Neill is also keen to help others learn techniques that can help them become better birders. He recently co-led a walk with the Burnaby Lake Society on how to use Merlin and eBird, and is working with Joanna Chin on two upcoming nature journalling sessions designed to teach participants new techniques for both observing and documenting their experiences in nature.

But that’s not all!  On the fun, social side, Neill has created birding quizzes for our Birds of a Feather birders socials. On the more serious side, Neill frequently supports new trip leaders by co-leading walks to “show them the ropes”.  He also supports existing trip leaders by co-leading walks to new locations or that have a new focus.  Notably, Neill has been instrumental in supporting diversity and inclusion by co-leading accessible and inclusive events like last year’s Cypress Hawk Watch Big Sit.  

All of this comes as Neill retires from his career as a librarian at the Burnaby Public Library, where he was responsible for the creation of their Birding Backpacks. Here Neill’s expertise and enthusiasm really shows: not only do Burnaby’s Birding Backpacks include high-quality binoculars, they include both standard reference materials and specialized local resources — in particular, Nature Vancouver’s own Birder’s Guide to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and our Seasonal Checklist of the Birds of Greater Vancouver.  Borrowers with a Burnaby Public Library Card are fortunate to have excellent tools and the best local information available to help them try out birding — all thanks to Neill.

Neill embodies the qualities of a good leader – a trailblazer and a giver. He demonstrates leadership by giving others opportunities to contribute and learn. He provides fertile ground for others to flourish and, critically, sees the importance of connecting diverse people to the natural world. He generously offers his time and expertise to promote the next generation of nature leaders. He exemplifies the values of feminism by supporting diversity, inclusion, and justice initiatives. 

Thank you so much for all you have done for Nature Vancouver and the wider community!

Citation by Michelle Baudais & Joanna Chin

Frank Sanford Award for Community Service

The Sanford award recognizes the achievements of the wider community that support the aims and objectives of Nature Vancouver. This award may be presented to any member of the community or another organization but is not usually presented to a member of Nature Vancouver. In general, only one Sanford award is presented per year.

This award was established in 1995 in honour of Frank Sanford, Society Treasurer for 35 years.

Rebecca Clapperton-Law

I’m very pleased to present the Frank Sanford award to Rebecca Clapperton-Law, the Executive Director of NatureKids BC. Rebecca was nominated by Rob Butler for the Frank Sanford Award.  Rob says: “I have known Rebecca for a few years where her commitment to Nature Kids is one reason the club has been so successful. NatureKids BC is celebrating its 25th year this year, and an award would be very appropriate. Nature Vancouver is the birth place of NatureKids BC.”

Rebecca has had a longstanding commitment to not-for-profit leadership and board governance and has served as volunteer director and executive on multiple community Boards including S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Social Services, Minerva Foundation of BC, Leadership Vancouver and the Mount Pleasant Family Centre among others. Recently, she has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Vancouver based Reconciliation Canada.

NatureKids is fortunate to have Rebecca dedicating her energy to growing this small but powerful grassroots organization over the last 5 years. Through NatureKids BC, families have the opportunity to “explore nearby nature, learn about British Columbia’s ecosystems, and connect with other families who share a passion for the natural world.” Today, NatureKids supports approximately 29 clubs across the province, led by 60 volunteers. As one of those volunteers, I can attest that Rebecca’s deep commitment to this mission, combined with her ability to see the big picture while remaining present and supportive to every Club volunteer, continues to inspire and strengthen the organization. Congratulations Rebecca!

Citation by Deborah Simpson

Garibaldi Awards for Club Services

The Garibaldi awards recognize members who have performed significant service to the Society over several years. Up to four Garibaldi awards are presented each year. These awards were established in 1993.

Jason Attai is one of those members who quietly but competently volunteer to facilitate the functioning of our website. 

Jason Attai                  

Jason receives requests for posting or editing Nature Vancouver website at any time of the day, night or day of the week. He then gets back to the sender in a timely fashion and often sorts out any problem with elegant and pleasing solutions. 

With all the photographs I tend to include with my submissions, things regularly go sideways so I personally appreciate Jason’s help. 

Citation by Nigel Peck

Joanna Chin 

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Joanna Chin as one of our Garibaldi Award winners!
Joanna reminded us that Nature Vancouver was behind in including many groups of people who live in Vancouver to our events. Like some of our other Award winners, Joanna is a very busy person as a PhD candidate in environmental education. She is involved with many groups, including Women for Nature, with Nature Canada. She is a mother and has a doctor partner who works shifts. She has lived with a disability since a terrible climbing accident. You would never know it when you meet Joanna at a field trip with her scope, fancy camera and special equipment for recording bird calls and sharing with field trip participants. Joanna has been to Nature Vancouver’s summer camp, and she hoping to educate all of us on being more inclusive in our field trips. Currently, she is working on a project to outfit some of the Vancouver public libraries with birding backpacks! When I opened the e-News this week, I see that she is co-leading two fieldtrips for families! Besides being younger than most of us, Joanna has been able to educate all of us that have had the opportunity to go on one of her fieldtrips! Thank you, Joanna, for all of your dedication to Nature Vancouver and to educating all of us in having a more inclusive organization.

Citation by by Donna Underhill

Brian Livsey  

Brian’s first camp was in 2018, and he joined the camp committee the same year.  Brian quickly took on several vital roles.

He is a key component of equipment maintenance a role that he shares with Paul Vasicek who was awarded the Garibaldi in 2019.  Brian is also one of the camp’s truck drivers a job that involves two to three very tiring days bring important supplies to and again back, for the 2nd week of camp.  Therefore, he is also a packer, organizer, and leader of the breakdown of camps.  On top of all that, he is a fabulous trip leader for those lucky enough to join the hikes he leads. We are so lucky to have his involvement with the Nature Vancouver camps and want to honour him with a Garibaldi Award.

Citation by by Elena Klein

Kelvin Yip  

Kelvin was nominated by several members as a worthy of a Garibaldi Award. Kelvin has helped with organizing Birders’ Social Nights, has been leading birding fieldtrips, and has been assisting with membership when needed. He has also helped with staffing Nature Vancouver outreach events and with guiding the less technologically savvy folks in the ways of the modern digital world. He has now volunteered to join the board of directors. Please join with me in acknowledging the energy, enthusiasm and engagement of Kelvin Yip for a Garibaldi Award for 2025.

Citation by Nigel Peck

Laura Cottle

Laura has made extraordinary contributions to Nature Vancouver in a variety of areas. She serves on the board, coordinates special topic evenings, liaise with BC Nature, and chair the scholarship committee.  

Laura has also been an important member of the camp committee for several years, has acted as the liaison with the Nature Vancouver board and acted as camp manager for both the 2023 and 2024 camps. In that role Laura demonstrated leadership, thoughtfulness, competence and an excellent sense of humour which helped to make both camps she led resounding successes. 

Citation by Nigel Peck

John Martin

It is with great respect that, along with Donna Underhill and Nigel Peck, we are jointly nominating John Martin for a Garibaldi Award. John has been on the Board of Directors since 2022, accepting the role of Vice-President in 2023 and further taking on the responsibilities of President in 2024. He has done an admirable job of leading the Board in new directions with a greater emphasis on governance. John has also been heavily involved in Citizen Science, particularly the use of i-Naturalist. He has been the lead for the City Nature Challenge for the past 3 years. For 2024 and 2025, John initiated collaboration with other Metro Vancouver municipalities, with the result of securing the top recording spot for Canadian cities, overwhelmingly so in 2025. This involved extensive efforts in advance to organize events, plus following up with results. John frequently contributes interesting articles of a Citizen Science nature to the e-News, sharing his enthusiasm with the members. He has started his own personal outreach effort by handing out Nature Vancouver business cards with the website QR code to anyone he has conversations with while on outings and trails. To extend the outreach effort, he has challenged all Board members to also hand out cards whenever possible. John is a true leader and advocate for Nature Vancouver and is fully deserving of this Garibaldi Award.

Citation by by Joan Lopez