2006 Herb Kariel

Herb’s passion for wilderness began was born along the banks of the Elbe River in his native Germany. When the family moved to Oregon in 1938, his connection with the Cascadian landscape led to a deep awareness of the human impact on the natural world. Herb’s lifestyle and outspoken environmental advocacy grew naturally from his belief that humans are not separate from their environment. He passed that mindset on to his students during his many years as a geography professor. Herb was instrumental in founding the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Sierra Club, and after moving to Calgary in 1967, the Prairie Chapter. He was recognized by the Alpine Club of Canada with the Silver Rope for mountaineering leadership (1980) and the Distinguished Service Award (1988).