Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award
To inspire others to follow his path, his friends, family, and colleagues at Metro Vancouver Regional Parks initiated the Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award. This endowment fund provides an annual award(s) to youth for their contribution to hands-on conservation in the regional parks. Supported by private donors, the fund is administered through the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation.
Gordon Smith worked for Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and was dedicated to serving people and the environment and was one of the finest people many of us ever met. He was passionate about stream and wetland stewardship and very active in conservation projects in Aldergrove and Delta. Those of us who knew Gordon or had the opportunity to work with him are content in the knowledge that he would be pleased to see his passion and inspiration being passed on to the youth of the Region through this award.
Each year, self-nominations are invited for the Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award, which provides a bursary for youth aged 12-18 who have contributed to environmental stewardship through their volunteer efforts within Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. The recipients will have demonstrated leadership in conservation and inspire other young people to get involved in environmental stewardship work.
We encourage you to self-nominate if:
- You are between the ages of 12-18
- You have volunteered for environmental stewardship efforts in a Metro Vancouver Regional Park
- You have demonstrated leadership in conservation and inspire other young people to get involved in environmental work
Award timeline:
- October 1, 2026: Self-nominations open
- December 31, 2026: Self-nominations close
- January 2027: Self-nominations are reviewed by the Gordon Smith Nomination Committee
- March 2027: Applicants are notified by the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation of the award decision
Nominate Yourself for the 2026 Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award
Self-nominations will close on December 31, 2026.
Marcus Chew
We are thrilled to announce that Marcus Chew has been awarded the 2025 Gordon Smith Youth Environmental Stewardship Award!
Through more than 540 volunteer hours with CTS Youth Society, Marcus has inspired young people to connect with nature while supporting stewardship programs throughout Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.
His hands-on conservation work, including leading invasive species removal and ecosystem restoration efforts in Burns Bog, demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting sensitive ecosystems. Combined with his passion for sustainable engineering, resilience in overcoming personal challenges, and dedication to making outdoor experiences accessible to all youth, Marcus embodies the spirit of environmental stewardship and the values this award celebrates.
2024: Jade Tao
2023: Caio Conradt
2022: Anna Huber
2021: Berntina Hambly
2020: Brandon Munday, Patrick Beattie
2019: Jason Pang, Griffin Andersen
2018: Graeme Chung, Brennan Strandberg-Salmon
2017: Miranda Andersen
2016: Denise Lee
2015: Michele Walter
2014: Soohyun Kim
2013: Saskia Vaisey
2012: Cynthia Bhourji and Miranda Wang
2011: Edward Ngai, Madeleine Barois and Lauren Wright
2010: Blair Moro
2009: Annie Hsu
2008: Angie Ramey
2007: Corey Bunnell
2006: Greg von Euw
2005: Yan Zhao
2004: Naomi Bollman
Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award
The Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award was established by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation with the Wosk Family for the development of youth leadership in 2006. This scholastic award will celebrate three youth aged 15-19 who are making a difference through conservation and stewardship, and provides funding for recipients to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. By encouraging opportunities for training in ecological conservation, environmental issues, community engagement, and leadership development, the Dr. M. Wosk award empowers recipients to create meaningful change in their communities.
“With one inspired leader, there is the potential of attracting a thousand or more participants. Without those exceptional leaders, thousands of people may never get involved.”
Dr. Mordehai Wosk
We encourage you to self-nominate if:
- You are between the ages of 15-19
- You are passionate about gaining skills in ecological issues and environmental preservation
Award timeline:
- October 1, 2026: Self-nominations open
- December 31, 2026: Self-nominations close
- January 2027: Self-nominations are reviewed by the Gordon Smith Nomination Committee
- March 2027: Applicants are notified by the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation of the award decision
Nominate Yourself for the 2026 Dr. M. Wosk Environmental Leadership Award
Self-nominations will close on December 31, 2026.
2025: Ella Yan, Isabel Shang & Marcus Chew
2024: Aniela Guzikowski, Jade Tao & Jenna Dong
2023: Alexandra Chow, Caryl Szeto, Clara Beckwith-Jamieson & Jaime Naranjo Sandonis
2022: Caio Krause Conradt, Kristen Hogeterp, Kyla Stokes & Isla Wu
2021: Catherine Pryer & Rachel Dong
2020: Suhkraj Dhunna, Amrit Bal, Sean Chung & Hannah Wicki
2019: Una Chang