About Us
Friends of the Salish Sea
About Us: Who Are We?
Friends of the Salish Sea (formerly Friends of Skagit Beaches) was established in 2008. Our goal is to protect our marine shorelines, waterways, and natural lands through education, citizen science, and stewardship projects.
- We strive to increase public awareness and take action to protect the health of the Salish Sea and surrounding watersheds.
- We aim to protect local wildlife like the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Contact us at infomation@friendsofsalishsea.org
Our Mission & Values:
Our mission is to protect the wildlife who call the Salish Sea home from water pollution and negative human impact. We strive to reserve our marine treasures for today and for countless future generations to come.
Since our creation in 2008, Friends of the Salish Sea has consistently taken action to help protect our natural habitat through various projects and initiatives. Whether its boots on the ground stormwater quality monitoring or youth outreach and public education, our volunteers know how to turn their passion into action.
Our scope has expanded to include stormwater monitoring in more counties and supporting the Biodiversity Project to provide stewardship support to Aquatic Reserves and Natural Areas.
Our Partnerships:
Friends of the Salish Sea works closely with volunteers and a number of organizations, both nonprofits and governmental agencies, to protect, restore, and monitor marine habitats in the Salish Sea and on Natural Areas. We have a number of partnerships that promote stewardship of our local natural resources. Our partners include the Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Reserves and Natural Areas Programs, Anacortes Bay Wide Cleanup, and Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling.
Meet Our Board of Directors:
Our Board is made up of members who volunteer their time and experience for the management and guidance of our organization.
Current board members:
- Birdie Davenport–President
- Kim Clarkin
- Eleanor Hines
- Wayne Huseby
- Betty Carteret–Vice President
- Tim Gohrke–Treasurer
Pictured: Betty Carteret discusses one of our projects with a visitor.
Funding & Donations:
Our organization’s operations are funded by the Rose Foundation and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. This funding goes towards stormwater monitoring equipment, data managements, and outreach initiatives. For our Biodiversity Project, our grant partners include Keta Legacy Foundation and Puyallup & Nisqually watershed small grants programs for monitoring and equipment.
Our projects are powered by volunteers but have equipment, supply, and service expenses. Grant funding covers some of these expenses, but never all. Your donation will help us reach our goals.
We Fund Too:
Friends provides small grants to other organizations related to environmental improvement and education. These grants are intended to augment existing funding.
Should you wish to apply for a grant, please download our applications and follow the instructions.