They’ll work to protect environment through research, public outreach

The third class of San Juan County/WSU Beach Watchers has graduated after attending nearly 100 hours of classroom training and field experience about the San Juans’ marine and watershed environment.

The graduation ceremony was April 24 in the Community Room at Skagit Valley College San Juan Center. The new class includes two from Lopez Island, 10 from Orcas Island and nine from San Juan Island.

Extension Director Tom Schultz and Program Coordinator Shann Weston handed out graduation certificates to the new Beach Watcher volunteers.

“I have been honored to coordinate Beach Watchers’ training for these special volunteers,” Weston said. “Many instructors have contributed to make this experience informative and valuable. The Beach Watchers now have an opportunity to give back to their community with service hours.”

WSU Beach Watchers are dedicated to protecting San Juan County’s fragile environment through research-based public outreach. They are trained volunteers who promote marine stewardship through education, research, public awareness and example.

Local Beach Watchers are also learning to become Land Bank stewards.

From Lopez Island: Jim Patton, Beveley Zapalac.

From Orcas Island: Keston Blaustein, Andria Hagstrom, Quinn Hagstrom, Kameko Joseph, Monica Kezar, Cheryl Kummer, Ulanah McCoy, Mairi Stagg, Edrie Vinson, Raven Sky/Dawna Zimbalist.

From San Juan Island: Shelley Alan, Harry Dickinson, Martha Dickinson, Rick Exstrom, April Ford, Craig Green, Martye Green, Zack Williams, Shirley Zyph.

For more information about the program, call Weston at 370-7666.