2009 Seattle Finalists

Congrats to Gary Colley. He has been selected as the 2009 Cox Conserves Hero for Western Washington. As Colley’s environmental, nonprofit organization of choice, the North Olympic Land Trust will receive $5,000.

Harry Case

Harry has preserved 176 acres for future generations. He bought the land on Whidbey Island when he was 18 and has lovingly tended it for 62 years. As a young boy, Harry was deeply impacted by the destruction of nature being torn down for construction. As a result of his childhood experiences, Harry placed a conservation easement on the property and donated all future development rights. Now permanently protected, the property is a haven for bird watching, long walks and beautiful scenery. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Whidbey Camano Land Trust

Gary Colley

Permanent protection of a 38-acre farm is Gary’s most recent environmental contribution. Gary’s donated legal work has been a key element in protecting more than 1,500 acres of land since he and other local citizens established North Olympic Land Trust in 1990. The land in Clallam County protects salmon and other wildlife habitat, sustainable commercial timberland, clean water and air, scenic vistas, open space and cultural heritage areas in addition to farmland. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: North Olympic Land Trust

Scott Hansen

Scott started the Puget Creek Restoration Society and has led the way for the recovery of salmon into Puget Creek. With the help of volunteers, the group annually places 10,000 Coho eggs within the stream and incubates some 50,000 Chum salmon eggs. If that’s not enough, Scott also helped repair 3,400 feet of trail, place 125,000 plants in the ground, and remove masses of non-native plant material. His work has helped a community enjoy nature’s offerings.Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Puget Creek Restoration Society

Cass Turnbull

Noticing Seattle’s lack of trees due to invasive, non-native species, Cass began a plant stewardship program to create a “green” canopy for the city. Twenty years later, her project is now an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting trees and educating the public. Her recent project, the Festival of Trees, brought widespread attention to the plight of trees and shrubs in the Pacific NW. Through her efforts, she has inspired thousands to join her in the fight to save Seattle’s trees. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Plant Amnesty

Charlotte Valbert

Charlotte transformed an old blueberry farm into a beautiful park with walking trails. The park was once an eyesore and a haven for crime, but her efforts have created an oasis where people can enjoy nature and pick blueberries from the 3,000 bushes. All of the work in the park is performed by volunteers that Charlotte rounds up each month; over 2,385 of them to date, for a total of over 10,157 hours worked. Environmental Nonprofit of Choice: Greater Metro Parks Foundation

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