Salt Spring Island Youth Honoured as Environmental Changemaker
Cleo proudly displays her Environmental Changemaker Award! | Photo: Heidi Cowan
Original article by Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Initiative.
Eighteen-year-old Cleo Nickels has been recognized as a 2025 Youth Changemaker for Environmental Justice for her outstanding grassroots leadership on Salt Spring Island.
Raised on a permaculture and eco-forestry farm, Cleo brings a deep connection to nature into everything she does — from organizing local repair cafés and clothing swaps to leading habitat restoration efforts on Mt. Maxwell, where she has surveyed pollinators, researched native species, and helped replant the ecosystem.
Cleo onsite at Mt. Maxwell | Photo: Heidi Cowan
She also participated in an immersive Columbia River Field School, where she explored the intersection of ecology, climate justice, and politics — an experience she describes as transformative. Cleo is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources at UBC, focusing on conservation.
Her message to other youth: small actions matter.
“Write an email. Show up to a local event. Volunteer. Action—whether big or small—builds experience and shows the difference you can make.”
Cleo continues to advocate for youth leadership in environmental justice and climate action, one bold step at a time.