Whidbey Watershed Stewards

Programs: Education: elementary students explored their local ecosystem and learned how they can steward their environment through program provided at the outdoor classroom. Approx. 2,200 students, 50 classes. Middle school oceanography classroom and marina program instructed students in water quality related plankton growth, water quality testing, hands-on data collection, and beach exploration for 6th and 7th graders. They learned how environmental factors interact and influence the marine ecosystem. Approx. 280 students. Salmon in the classroom program instructed 5th grade students about the life cycle of salmon. Approx. 100 students. 30 volunteer teachers were trained to help teach these educational programs. Community education was provided at freeland wetland preserve events, earth and ocean month, and outreach events. Communications are provided to the public through newsletters, website, social media, and meetings.

conservation / research: worked with local diking district on maxwelton creek watershed assessment project. Also, continued educational and citizen science projects at the smith and minor aquatic reserve, that included training volunteers and events for the public. Participated in community, tribal and governmental salmon recovery programs.

stewardship: performed wetland and public beach restoration with adults and students. Aprox. 30 people for 350 hours. Trained volunteers and gave educational presentations to the public.

scholarship: offered one scholarship to a south whidbey high school senior planning to study biology in college and working in the environmental field. Fiona callahan received a $1000 scholarship paid directly to scripps college.