Kitsap County News

Every year since 1987, Clear Creek Salmon in the Classroom program works to restore Chum salmon runs while educating Kitsap?s youth. The program brings together local volunteers, organizations, governments, and students in celebration of this important species. Salmon, as a keystone species, are essential for the health and functioning of our ecosystems.

In 2024, 1,300 students participated in raising eggs donated by the Suquamish Tribe. Once the baby salmon grow from egg to alevin to fry, students release them into Clear Creek. Over 100 volunteers, 400 parents, and 30 educators worked together to teach the students about water quality, aquatic insects, and actions to take to protect salmon's habitat. Their hard work led to 2,800 Chum salmon being released into Clear Creek this past March!

Joshua Wright is a forest campaigner who spends his time preserving and advocating for legacy forests around the Pacific Northwest. Joshua?s work in Kitsap began in 2023 when he learned of a 105 acre-timber sale called Breaking Bud above Lake Tahuya in Green Mountain State Forest. Partially located in Kitsap, Green Mountain State Forest is a naturally regenerated forest. This forest is home to a diverse mix of native plants and tree species, notably Douglas firs and Cedar trees with a diameter of up to 49 inches!

Upon learning of the sale by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Joshua discovered and documented several rare plant communities inhabiting the forest. He brought this evidence to DNR, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, Kitsap Environmental Coalition, and the Center for Responsible Forestry, gaining support to delay the sale. DNR agreed with Joshua?s discoveries, acknowledging the unique ecosystem covers at least 257 acres of the state forest. Joshua?s tireless efforts resulted in the indefinite delay of the sale and a portion of the forest preserved.

Lisa Gordon Ramstad is a middle school teacher in Bremerton who believes all students should have an opportunity to explore the outdoors. Her enthusiasm for the environment and teaching led her to create a space for students to have access to environmental education.

In Fall 2022, she partnered with Great Peninsula Conservancy to create an innovative outdoor classroom for her students. Together, they developed an elective class called Outdoor Leadership. The class teaches students how they can serve as leaders in the classroom, the outdoors, and in their communities. The program focuses on hands-on learning, such as creating nature art out of found materials, removing invasive plant species, and planting native plant species to increase biodiversity. Because of her program, students now have an intentional green space to learn about the environment around them.

Bremerton business owner, Reama Schuldt, opened Spread Supplies after recognizing that artists and crafters faced barriers to affordable tools and supplies. As an artist, Reama wanted to create a space that allowed community members to discover their potential using high-quality supplies.

To accomplish this, Spread Supplies offers both new and used supplies. Reama?s business approach of accepting donated supplies and tools keeps these items out of landfills while redistributing them to artists in need. In addition to her environmental stewardship, Spread Supplies has become a hub for the community. The store participates in local events, hosts live music and local artists, and organizes craft-making events that foster inclusivity.