2023 Challenge Canoe Journey: Fostering Connection, Tradition, and Sustainability
Two weeks ago, a group of 30 Indigenous paddlers embarked on a four-day, no-ground crew, canoe journey through the San Juan Islands: The 2023 Challenge Paddle.
This Coast Salish Food Staple is Blooming Again
Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps Director, Sam Barr, featured in recent article about camas revitalization
Happy Pride from The Madrona Institute!
The Madrona Institute reflects on another empowering and celebratory Pride month. There is no environmental justice without LGBTQ+ rights.
IOSA Empowers Local Environmental Youth Groups with Generous Field Supplies Donation
With this recent donation from IOSA, our programs can now amplify their efforts in offering stewardship opportunities to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or access to gear.
Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps Advisor, Marco Hatch, works to revitalize clam gardens through Pew Research Fellowship
"The more we listen to communities and the more we understand, we see all of these examples that environments were cared for." - Marco Hatch
Upcoming Speaker Series Event at the San Juan Island Library: The Power of Representation: Impact and Influence of Women of Color in Leadership Roles
Upcoming Speaker Series Event at the San Juan Island Library: The Power of Representation: Impact and Influence of Women of Color in Leadership Roles
‘Our youth are hungry for their culture’
Camas resurrected other teachings as well during the weekend, said Sam Barr, historic preservation officer for the Stillaguamish Tribe, which has ties to Whidbey Island.
“There is an entire culture around camas which involved landscape management — setting fire to vast swaths of land to maintain this huge prairie,” said Barr, a citizen of the Samish Indian Nation. “You had people going out and changing the entire landscape — it shaped what the islands look like. When we talk about restoring the environment, that can’t happen in the absence of Coast Salish people doing the same land management they have done for 6,000 years.”
Modern conservation corps meshes care for land, health for youths
Restoring camas gardening and other ancient practices and deepening youths’ ties with the environment are among key purposes of the Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps. Canoeing affords founders Erin Licata, Sam Barr and CSYSC crews the ability to reach destinations in the islands without resorting to car or ferry. (Bill Hebner courtesy photo, 2017)
The Madrona Institute Awards Paula Sardinas the David Giuliani Climate Leadership Award
Get your Special Stewardship License Plate to support youth education, conservation and stewardship programs through The Madrona Institute.
QR Code for your San Juan Islands Special Stewardship License Plate
Get your Special Stewardship License Plate to support youth education, conservation and stewardship programs through The Madrona Institute.
Island Drives
Share your favorite San Juan Island drives - and your special license plate images.
Watch the Video: San Juan Islands License Plate
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Internationally Acclaimed Climate Change Author Per Espen Stokness Lectures on Lopez
Internationally Acclaimed Climate Change Author Per Espen Stoknes Lectures on Lopez Island
Madrona Institute Awards Grants
Madrona Institute awards $45,000 in grants to island organizations in stewardship and conservation.
The San Juan Islands License Plate Project Awards Grants to Benefit Islanders
Share your favorite San Juan Island drives - and your special license plate images.
Share Your San Juan Islands Driving Story
Share your favorite San Juan Island drives - and your special license plate images.
2022 Stewardship Grant Success Stories
The San Juan Islands License Plate Project Awarded $5000 to Alchemy Arts on San Juan Island
Alchemy Art Center Director Maria Michaelson reports on how the Madrona Institute Grant has helped Alchemy engage more young people in the arts.
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