Lyda Salatian

To inspire stewardship of nature by connecting diverse individuals through hands-on educational environmental activities. Green Teams of Canada (GTC) engages volunteers in activities like invasive plant removals, planting of native species, shoreline clean-ups at parks and preparation of vegetable beds at educational farms Objectives • Engage young Canadians in tangible environmental actions in their communities • Raise awareness of environment through hands-on education • Inspire young Canadians to take on leadership roles • Foster a sense of empowerment, pride, community and belonging • Improve mental and physical well-being outdoors • Restore ecosystems and increase biodiversity Our impact to date (as of May 17 2018): • Grown to 5,800 volunteers (3,600 of whom are youth), who have contributed 26,000 hours (we are the largest environmental volunteer group in BC) • Engaged 20 elementary and secondary schools • Run 520 Green Team activities • Removed 3,650 cubic meters and 88,000 lbs of invasive plants • Planted 19,800 native plants and trees • Removed 5,600 lbs of garbage from shorelines Awards • Jane Goodall Institute Recognition for impacting people & environment – 2011 • Earth Day Canada Hometown Heroes Award – 2013 • Nature Vancouver Frank Sanford Award – 2013 • Recycling Council of BC Award for providing services beyond expectations – 2014 • YWCA Environmental Sustainability Award – 2014 • Restoration Catalyst Award – 2014 • Vancity Social Innovation Award – 2016 • Volunteer victoria Award for Leadership – 2016 • District of Saanich Environmental Award – 2017 • iATS Innovator Award, Local Hero - May 8 2018