Kitsap Review

Kitsap County issued the following announcement on April 23.

Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) have recognized Earth Day Award winners since 1993. We want to celebrate members of the community who provide outstanding environmental stewardship for our county.

This year’s winners were publicly nominated for their service towards sustainability, recycling, litter control, habitat protection, and renewable energy. These Earth Day Award winners continue to make a difference in our community by leading the way and informing others of environmental issues.

Harold & Spencer Fronsman

Harold and Spencer (6 and 8) have taken it upon themselves to pick up litter in their neighborhood. They routinely clear litter from the roadway and make sure that their neighbors enjoy a clean and safe outdoor space. The boys always separate and clean the recyclable items they find. Their efforts keep our environment healthy and set an excellent example for our community.

Hans Daubenberger & Nicole Venneman

Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe

Nicole and Hans are vital contributors to the protection and preservation of the natural habitat in North Kitsap. They work tirelessly on research and reports used to inform tribal, state, and federal policies and projects. These policies and projects are vital to the protection of the Puget Sound and Hood Canal. They advocate for and work using environmentally friendly methods, such as the relocating of trees after a clearing. They are described by their nominator as being consistent, committed, and passionate protectors of the environment.

Alan Chessman

Kingston Community Solar

Alan organized Kingston Community Solar, a group responsible for getting solar panels installed on Kingston Village Green Community Center in 2016. The project would not have been completed were it not for his efforts at researching, collaborating, and securing funding. Alan continues to administer and manage the project which provides a significant portion of energy to the community center. This project supplies renewable energy and benefits the community as a whole.

The North Kitsap Heritage Park Stewardship Group

These stewards have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting and restoring North Kitsap Heritage Park. They have spent thousands of volunteer hours on park projects. Their contributions include delineating wetlands, removing invasives, clearing paths, and creating trails. They have increased the biodiversity in the park by underplanting thousands of tree seedlings.

The stewards work to provide a healthy and sustainable 800 plus acres of lowland forest and wetland in Puget Sound. Their work benefits the park's invertebrates, fish, amphibians, mammals, present and future visitors, and the community at large.

Modern Collision Rebuild & Repair

Aaron and Micah Strom

Owners, Aaron and Micah Strom, have ensured that their business remains a leader in sustainable practices since first winning an Earth Day award twenty years ago. Their policies and procedures ensure reduced environmental impact and protect the community, such as reducing VOC’s and improving air quality. They are adamant about properly disposing of hazardous waste products and recycling, and have also adopted a state highway for litter clean-up. Their conscious effort to provide eco-friendly services benefits our environment and our community.

Deborah DuBois

Keyport Saltwater Stewardship Group and Saltwater Park Committee 

Deborah DuBois is an invaluable asset in restoring native plants and habitat to Saltwater Park in Keyport. Since 2018, she has volunteered 536 hours and filled 389 noxious weed bags. She completed a Native Plant ID class and used that knowledge to create signs labeling native plants in the park. In an effort to benefit the park even further, she is completing the Kitsap County Park Forest Steward training program. Her nominator describes her devotion to Saltwater Park as an inspiration to all those that know her.

Original source can be found here.