Seven to be Honored for Environmental Stewardship

— from Julia Vouri, Stewardship Network of the San Juans —

Christine Langley, Lopez Island

Seven Good Steward awards will be presented to islanders and local organizations in recognition of exceptional environmental stewardship on Saturday, June 21 at the Orcas Island Solstice Celebration.

At 11 a.m., winners will be presented with a “Finee” award—a glazed ceramic salmon made by Crow Valley Pottery—at the cluster of booths hosted by Stewardship Network members. Come enjoy the award ceremony in support of your fellow islanders, and enjoy the parade, which follows at noon, activities, food, music and dance performances.

The awards are sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans, a coalition of private and public organizations that support a healthy, thriving ecosystem in the San Juan Archipelago. Since 2008 the Stewardship Network has honored individuals, families, teachers, students and businesses that have demonstrated conservation ethics benefiting our entire island community.
Many nominations for the Good Stewards award program were received from members of the community. This years’ award winners are:

Youth Stewardship: Zach Kostechko of Orcas Island. A senior at Orcas High School, Zack contributed a total of 66 volunteer hours serving with the Orcas Youth Conservation Corps last summer. He also served as a cadet for the Orcas Volunteer Fire Department and helped plan and install a demonstration rain garden in front of Ray’s Pharmacy.

Educator Stewardship: Debbie Taylor of San Juan Island. Debbie teaches math and science to 6th grade students at Friday Harbor Elementary School. Through the use of multi-media technology and dynamic learning experiences, she motivates her students to develop skills that will encourage creative thinking while becoming responsible and respectful global citizens.

Farmland Stewardship: Christine Langley of Lopez Island. A sustainable organic farmer for over 15 years, Christine controls diseases and pests organically, rotates her crops, uses drip irrigation and rain water for watering, utilizes solar energy for chicken fences and keeps bees to help pollinate her crops. She is always ready to educate farmers and friends interested in sustainable farming.

Individual Stewardship: Chuck O’Clair of San Juan Island. Chuck has an invaluable animal care volunteer at Wolf Hollow for more than 12 years. He has also volunteered countless hours to various organizations, including conducting beached bird surveys for COASST, data collection for Three Meadows Marsh and Christmas bird trumpeter swan counts for Audubon each winter.
Woodland Stewardship: Ken and Marcia Culver of Orcas Island. Ken and Marcia and their family donated their 24-acre shoreline and forest preserve to the San Juan Preservation Trust in 2013. This property has been in the family for six generations. They are currently working with neighbors to place a conservation easement on an adjoining 60 additional acres.

Business Stewardship: Deer Harbor Charters of Orcas Island. Co-owners father and son team Tom and Nate Averna have run their charter business for over 30 years. They were chosen for their generous donations of time and resources in support of the marine environment and the education of the community.

Special Award for Environmental Awareness: Friends of Moran of Orcas Island. Friends of Moran provides exceptional stewardship and outreach programs for visitors to Moran State Park. Thanks especially to Michel Vekved, who has volunteered many hours over the years to build a volunteer team, launch the organization’s website, create the Summit Gift Shop and Learning Center and more.

For full profiles of these inspiring islanders, plus previous years’ award winners, visit our website. www.stewardshipsanjuans.org.