Coronado High School senior Logan Berk was recently recognized as the 2026 Environmental Hero Rising Star by California State Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner of California’s 77th Assembly District.
Boerner recognized Berk and eight other nominees on Oct. 17 as part of her annual Environmental Hero Awards.
Logan received the award for his environmental initiatives as an intern with Emerald Keepers and a leader in the Emerald Keepers High School Garden Club. A third-year intern, Logan cofounded and leads Emerald Keepers’ Coronado Crops program, which harvests excess fruit from Coronado backyards for donation to the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Food Pantry. All produce from the high school garden is also donated to the food pantry.
“I was excited to receive this award as it validates the positive environmental impact of reducing food waste. It also inspires me to continue expanding the program to benefit more Coronado residents and more people who rely on the IB Neighborhood Food Pantry,” Logan said.
The idea for Coronado Crops came about during neighborhood dog walks.
“When I walked my dogs around the neighborhood, I’d see all these fruit trees with fruit rotting on the ground,” Logan said. “I love eating the fresh oranges from my yard, so I was sad to see all that good food go to waste. I came up with the idea of picking neighbors’ fruit to share. After a few neighbors invited me to pick their fruit, I decided to create Coronado Crops to work with all the homes in Coronado.”
Since its inception in spring 2024, Coronado Crops has donated more than 5,000 pounds of produce to the Food Pantry. The initiative will launch its fourth season this winter.
Beyond Coronado, Logan has interned at Ranchito Milkyway, an organic, sustainable farm in Bonita. Working with the farm owners, Logan implemented organic and regenerative agriculture practices to grow fruit and vegetables sold at a local farmstand.
During his Environmental Hero acceptance speech, Logan thanked the many people who helped make Coronado Crops a success, especially student volunteers who help pick fruit and homeowners who donate their excess produce.
“Coronado Crops taught me the importance of building a team. I'm lucky so many people supported me and the program with marketing, supplies, driving, volunteering, and donating their fruit,” Logan said. “I’m especially thankful for everyone at Emerald Keepers that helped me turn my idea into a successful program.”
Logan described Coronado Crops as “good for people and the planet, and fun for me.”
An honor student at Coronado High School, Logan plans to continue his environmental advocacy at college majoring in environmental science after graduating from high school in May.
