Climate Champions 2026

Celebrating local action on climate change

Each year, the Maple Ridge Climate Hub recognizes people and organizations who are taking real action on climate change in our community.

These awards celebrate creativity, persistence, and leadership. Our Climate Champions show that meaningful change can happen through everyday actions—whether that’s how we travel, the knowlege we share, or the ways we support each other.

Now in its fifth year, the program continues to highlight inspiring local efforts. From reducing waste to educating the public and protecting nature, past and present champions are helping build a more sustainable future for Maple Ridge.

We are already seeing the effects of climate change in our region—more flooding, hotter summers, drought, and wildfire smoke. The people recognized here are not waiting for change. They are leading it.

2026 Climate Champions

Meryl Herberts & Evan Crawford

Low-carbon transportation leaders

Meryl Herberts and Evan Crawford show what’s possible when we rethink how we get around.

• Meryl cycles from Maple Ridge to New Westminster every day, all year long.
  → This reduces about 3,000 kg of CO₂ emissions each year.
• Evan has been cycling to work for decades.
  → In the past 6 years, he has biked nearly 35,000 km and avoided about 12 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Together, they have replaced tens of thousands of kilometres of car travel with a zero-emission alternative.

Their commitment shows that everyday choices can make a big difference—especially in transportation, one of the largest sources of local emissions. Their example encourages others to consider new ways of getting around.

Ross Davies

Environmental educator and community leader

Ross Davies has spent over 40 years helping people connect with the natural world.

As Education Coordinator with the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partners Society (KEEPS), Ross has reached tens of thousands of community members.

His work includes:

• Teaching about salmon at the 240th Street Fish Fence
• Leading invasive species removal and native planting projects
• Educating residents about local wildlife, including bears
• Hosting annual salmon events like Goodbye Chums and Return of the Salmon

Ross also promotes everyday climate action—like cycling and collecting rainwater. 

Ross’s approach is simple: help people understand nature so they can care for it. In this approach, Ross quotes Baba Dioum, a Senegalese forestry scientist:

“In the end, we will only conserve what we love; we only love what we understand; we only understand what we are taught.”

Through decades of education and advocacy, Ross has helped shape a more informed and environmentally responsible community.

Maple Ridge Library (Fraser Valley Regional Library)

Climate education and community resilience

The Fraser Valley Regional Library – Maple Ridge branch is a leader in climate education and action.

Library staff support the community in many ways:

Learning and tools

• Hosting workshops and events focused on climate and sustainability
• Offering hands-on learning through their “Playground” lending library, where you can borrow items like: 
  → solar panels, energy meters, and air quality monitors

Interactive experiences

• Hosted the LumiAir exhibit, helping visitors explore real-time and historical air quality data
• Encouraged conversations about local environmental health

Community programs

• Long-time host of the Maple Ridge Repair Café
  → Residents can bring broken items to be repaired for free, reducing waste

Leadership and planning

• Working toward certification through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative
• Embedding sustainability into long-term planning

Climate response

• The library provides a safe, climate-controlled public space during extreme heat and smoky conditions

Through these efforts, the Maple Ridge library is helping residents learn, adapt, and take action.

Thank You

Thank you to our supporters who made this year’s awards possible: 

• Grow & Gather Nursery
• Maple Ridge Public Library
• Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association
• City of Maple Ridge