Sno-Isle News February 2022

Third Thursday Meeting & Social
February 17 from 6 to 7 pm

"A Journey of Discovery About Our Beautiful Natural World and the Salish Sea".  This is Sound Waters University's description of their educational training program.  We've provided several scholarships for students to attend. Find out about this Sound Water Stewards program and what the students discovered. 
We hope to see you!

Register!

Please help us identify priorities for action!

Take the Survey 

It's easy and fast - only 5 questions. Last year you told us climate change was the most important issue we should address and we worked hard for that with good results.

As a member led group, we depend on your input to determine where to focus our actions. Tree protection, land use zoning and environmental justice are some other issues we could address.

Island County Climate Emergency Petition

United Student Leaders of Whidbey Island is a youth-led activist group calling on the Island County government to declare a climate emergency and work with them to implement climate action. Camano and Whidbey Island residents can learn more about what these students are doing and support their work.

Read the Petition.

Missing Middle Housing HB 1782 allows increased density in single family neighborhoods near transit. Contact your Representatives to support it.
Take Action

Targeted Electrification HB 1767 allows incentives for transitioning from gas to electricity. Contact your Representatives on the Appropriations Committee to support clean energy. 
Take Action
 

Climate Crisis Webinar Series
Tuesday Feb.15 from 5 to 6:30 pm

United Student Leaders of Whidbey presents this series. They will discuss what climate change is and explore the history of the climate crisis. Register Now.
Following webinars on March 1 and 15.

Missed the Trust Land Transfer Program?

Mike Town's informative 28 minute presentation explaining the Trust Land Transfer Program is available for listening at your convenience. Play it during your next walk.  Learn how you can nominate important forested areas for transfer. 
Listen Now

Monday Feb 28 at 6:30 pm

Helping underserved communities gain access to the outdoors is Jason Swann's mission. It led him to help found Rising Routes, an organization that works to strengthen the relationship between environmental stewardship and diverse communities. Join the Everett 350 Zoom meeting and hear about his vision.
Zoom Link

Great News for City Trees in Washington

Grant money will be available for improving urban forests. The Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications for the largest urban and community forestry grant funding in agency history.
Read All About It!

The Everett Daily Herald recently highlighted articles that covered significant weather events during the past year in "Field Notes," a newsletter dedicated to the environment. The Herald has committed to Environmental and Climate Change reporting. Read

The city of Snohomish, famous for its beautiful old trees, is reviewing existing city tree ordinances in order to make recommendations for strengthening the city's commitment to significant tree retention.

This effort is congruent with work by the League of Women Voters toward an official Snohomish County Urban Tree Policy.

Does your community have a tree code that protects your local tree canopy? Research is clear that quality of life is linked to trees.

Native Plant Demonstration Garden
Volunteer Events from 9 am to noon
Saturdays, Feb 12 and March 12
 

If you are interested in planting native plants as well as weeding and pruning, bring your garden tools and gloves (and your mask) to the garden located at 95 Pine St. in Edmonds. 
Register Now, or sign in when you get there.

The Sno-King Watershed Council is a group of community members passionate about protecting streams, wetlands and natural areas in Snohomish and King Counties. The Water Watchers program teaches volunteers how to monitor water quality in local streams and lakes. Information gathered is used to educate others, notify agencies, and improve water quality. The next round of classes will take place in March. 
Water Watchers Details