A North Shore environmental steward is being recognized for his efforts to protect and sustain wild Pacific salmon stocks.
John Barker, president of the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society, has received Earth Day Canada's Individual Hometown Heroes Award for 2015. The national award celebrates Barker's dedication to the environmental, community awareness and education.
With this award, Barker receives a $10,000 cash prize to donate to a local environmental group or cause of his choice. Not surprisingly, he's elected to give his prize money to the streamkeepers.
A West Vancouver resident for 48 years, Barker joined the streamkeepers in 2004 and has held the volunteer position of president since 2010. In this role, he established a working board of directors, initiated student outreach programs, and expanded a storm drain marking program that engages elementary students, teachers and parents.
Among his most notable environmental initiatives is spearheading the construction of a rearing pond adjacent to McDonald Creek, creating year-round rearing conditions for juvenile Coho salmon and other aquatic species.
He also launched estuary enhancement projects at McDonald Creek and Rodgers Creek that have improved access for spawning salmon.
In 2013, Barker received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and was named West Vancouver Citizen of the Year.
He will receive his award at Earth Day Canada's Gala on Earth Day, April 22, 2016, in Toronto.
