We have so much to be grateful for at the Foundation. We share and live our values through our work and support for like-minded organizations in the region. Here are some of the touchstones that make Foundation so special
Grants: Our Community Grants program and the new Norm Winn Grants leverage your generous donations to ensure like-minded educational and conservation groups and organizations have funds for important environmental education and conservation projects that will inspire the next generation of land and water stewards.
We just announced the new round of Community Grant recipients:
- Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association – Students for Salmon
- North Olympic Salmon Coalition Stream Stewards Program
- Friends of the Salish Sea Salish Sea Lecture Series Expansion
- Great Peninsula Conservancy Salmon in the Classroom
These grants are part of the more than $3 million in funding we have awarded since our Community Grants program was created.
We accomplished a lot last year and we had fun celebrating the things that we’d accomplished and all that we put in place for future growth.
Environmental Stewardship: We take our responsibility to restore and support the lands and waterways on the Rhododendron Preserve – more than 500 acres now – very seriously. Over the decades, we have continued the Preserve’s restoration with:
- Protection of the headwaters of Chico Creek
- The important work of our summer intern Stormie and previous intern Casey’s GIS work
- Big Tree Trail and deck improvements
- Protect, preserve, and promote an old growth forest
- Protect and improve salmon habitat
- Conservation of old growth forests in our community
- Protect and monitor some of the last remaining Puget Sound Old Growth Forest, which is unique within entire Salish Sea region
- Preserve a wild and unspoiled place in the heart of Kitsap county
- Protect wildlife habitat and bird populations
- Ensure the Preserve is such special place to visit that is welcoming to all
Community: We put a premium on connection to our community, not just in the Kitsap/Bremerton area, but across the state and entire Salish Sea region. The partnerships we have cultivated to support educational, restoration and preservation efforts are our common threads. Together, we:
- Connect with community
- Foster public access to the outdoors
- Connect local community to nature
- Help other organizations achieve their goals
- Support other agencies with similar values
- Support local non-profits
We are pleased and grateful to work alongside:
- Kitsap Focus for Board Members
- Great Peninsula Conservancy
- Individuals open to engaging new Board members
- Awesome group of volunteer Board members
- Nice people who share our passion for the outdoors
- Dedicated Board members and volunteers
Educate: One of the most important things we do is work with groups and schools to bring hands-on environmental education to students from all backgrounds. Giving young learners the opportunity to experience an outdoor classroom to learn how they and nature are connected is extremely rewarding. As a Foundation, we:
- Use resources and expertise to mentor young scientists
- Offer internship opportunities
- Provide education and environmental science opportunities
- Support education and enrichment programs for kids
- Inspire and Educate future environmental stewards
- Make outdoor education a priority
Values: The values we hold dear are always front and center, whether it’s a project on the Preserve or an educational program in Hidden Valley. We walk our talk and are transparent about the work we are doing and the “why” behind it. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of our residents, improve the waterways for our iconic salmon runs and ensure a legacy of sustainable green space for all to enjoy.
These items culminate in a magical way to make our three core values come to life: Preserve, Inspire and Educate. We are so pleased to have you on this journey with us, and we welcome you to invite your friends, neighbors and family to join our efforts.
– Mindy Roberts, Secretary