Join us in celebrating the 2025 Earth Day Award recipients!





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Kitsap County News






Join us in celebrating the 2025 Earth Day Award recipients on Monday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m.






*April 11, 2025*

Congratulations 2025 Earth Day Award recipients!

"(Port Orchard, WA)" - Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners celebrate environmental stewardship in Kitsap every year with Earth Day Awards [ [link removed] ]. Recipients are nominated by the public for their dedication to preserving, enhancing, and protecting Kitsap’s environment.

This year, we received nominations celebrating the incredible individuals, groups, projects, and businesses making a meaningful impact in Kitsap County. The response was truly inspiring, showcasing the dedication and passion of those working to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations—we are fortunate to have so many dedicated environmental stewards in our community. Congratulations to the 2025 Earth Day Award recipients!

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John Mikesell

John Mikesell stands in an orange volunteer vest at a volunteer event

John Mikesell has been a dedicated Kitsap County volunteer for 17 years. Upon Kitsap County acquiring Chico Salmon Park [ [link removed] ] in 2007, John began his quest to restore the parcel to what it is today. He has devoted nearly 5,000 hours leading restoration projects, educating visitors of all ages, and being a steward of the land. 

As a Master Gardener and Native Plants expert, John has personally labeled plants throughout Chico Salmon Park and Erlands Point Preserve and crafted trail signs to guide visitors. He has organized over 160 work parties and remains a driving force behind conservation efforts. His artistic touch can be seen in a hand-carved salmon sculpture at the park.

At 91 years old, John continues to be a familiar face at Chico Salmon Park as both a Salmon Docent and Stream Steward. During the fall salmon migration and Kitsap Salmon Tours [ [link removed] ], he dedicates seven days a week to educating visitors about the fish, water quality, and stream ecology, while also actively participating in Salmon in the Classroom [ [link removed] ] activities. In addition, John leads an educational series at the Hansville Greenway, mentoring students from Catalyst Charter School.

His dedication and impact make him an irreplaceable steward of Kitsap County’s natural spaces. As Aaron Bartleson, Kitsap County Parks Natural Resources Coordinator, put it, “If you see a silver-haired individual picking up trash or caring for native plants, it’s probably John.”



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Jane Martin

Jane Martin stands, leaning on a metal shelf

Jane Martin has been a driving force in waste reduction and community sustainability for over 14 years. As the leader of the Zero Waste Bainbridge Tableware Lending Library [ [link removed] ], she has helped prevent thousands of items from being bought or discarded, promoting borrowing over buying new. Jane advocates for reuse and reduction throughout the county by volunteering at Kitsap Fix-it Fairs [ [link removed] ] as a jewelry fixer, serving as an ambassador at Zero Waste discard stations, hosting booths at farmer’s markets, and sorting metal bi-weekly.

For 12 years, Jane has led the Green Team at the annual Bainbridge Rotary Rummage Sale. She is also the co-founder of the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project, which began 20 years ago to repurpose donated jewelry. Jane sorts, repairs, and sells the jewelry to raise funds for women's shelters. Additionally, her work provides jewelry to women in shelters, children, and theater groups; thus, benefiting the community and boosting the confidence of clients.

Jane’s creativity and innovation, from designing resourceful signage to improving events, have left a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and the positive change she continues to bring to our community.



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Jon Almquist

Jon Almquist is one of the most dedicated volunteers in Kitsap County’s Adopt a Spot program [ [link removed] ]. Since moving to Kitsap County in 2021, Jon has been actively involved in the Adopt a Road program, which has since been rebranded as Adopt a Spot. His commitment has made a significant impact in keeping our community clean and beautiful.

Jon has adopted 6.25 shoulder miles. Throughout his time Jon’s submitted 104 cleanup reports, logged 215 hours, and collected 128 bags of litter, which amounts to an impressive 2,560 pounds of trash removed from his Hansville Eglon neighborhood.

Jon’s efforts have left a lasting, positive mark on Kitsap County, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working to improve our neighborhoods. As Jon puts it, “My goal is to keep these roads the cleanest in Kitsap County. Not seeing any litter on them while driving is reward enough for me.”

John Almquist is wearing a yellow safety vest and holding a trash picker and bag, standing next to an Adopt a Spot sign that bears his name

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*Dillon Corson, business owner of Holistic Tree Care*

Dillion Corson is harnessed to a tree, high above the ground with a view of Puget Sound behind him

Dillon Corson is an ISA certified arborist and qualified tree risk assessor serving Kitsap County. Through his business, Holistic Tree Care [ [link removed] ], Dillon approaches every project with a deep respect for the local environment, treating each tree as a vital part of the community’s unique ecosystem.

Dillon’s commitment to tree preservation and sustainability enhances air quality, strengthens soil stability, and supports local ecosystems and wildlife. By using eco-friendly practices, he sets a powerful example of sustainability in the tree care industry.

Beyond his work in tree care, Dillon actively contributes to the community by enriching public spaces, repurposing trees into wildlife habitats, and educating residents on the role of urban forestry in biodiversity. We are truly grateful for his dedication to both the environment and the well-being of our community.



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*Neurodiverse Students Conservation Corps*

A group of high school students pose for a photo. They are wearing yellow safety vests and holding tools like shovels

The Neurodiverse Students Conservation Corps [ [link removed] ], led by Morgan Houk and Cody Ogren, provides neurodivergent high school students—an underrepresented group in the conservation field—with employment-based learning opportunities. Through hands-on conservation work in Bainbridge Island parks, participants gain valuable outdoor education and job experience.

In 2024, this dedicated crew made a lasting impact—restoring four parks, removing 60 yards of invasive species, identifying over 15 plant species, spreading 10 yards of woodchip mulch, and planting hundreds of native plants. Beyond ecological improvements, the program fosters teamwork, leadership, and real-world job skills. Kitsap County is grateful for their commitment to empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.

A parent shared their appreciation saying, "“The SCOCO program really put a skip in our son's step as he grew confident in knowing he had a reliable relationship with the staff to improve through daily check-ins.”"

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Lost Creek Lane Road Committee

Eric and Monica Phillips stand in front of a shady tree

The Lost Creek Lane Road Committee, led by Monica and Eric Phillips, went above and beyond to tackle a critical stormwater issue affecting Wildcat Lake. Through decisive action, community outreach, historical awareness, and open communication with the County, they showed how a dedicated group can come together to protect both local waterways and neighborhoods.

Lost Creek Lane NW—an unpaved private road serving more than 60 land parcels—had been steadily eroding, sending muddy runoff into a nearby ditch. This runoff violated both Kitsap County Code and state water quality standards. Turbid (muddy) water doesn’t just reduce stream clarity—it also carries harmful pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens. These contaminants can degrade ecosystems and pose risks to public health.

Despite the challenge of coordinating with over 60 parcel owners, the committee successfully met all compliance deadlines, secured community funding, hired a contractor, and completed vital improvements—including paving the road, installing water bars, and reinforcing ditches.

By working closely with property owners, they not only resolved a significant water quality issue but also restored the health of the local ecosystem. Their efforts will have a lasting positive impact, and Kitsap County is deeply grateful for their commitment to both the environment and the community.



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This year's award

Each Earth Day Award recipient will receive a one-of-a-kind award to honor their environmental achievements. This year's award was designed and created by Melissa Pothier [ [link removed] ], a local Port Orchard artist.

Melissa has contributed her artistic talents to local businesses and community events, creating unique art and logos that capture the essence of the region. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the animals, florals, and vintage aesthetics, her work spans a variety of mediums, from printmaking and watercolor to digital illustration.

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Attend the award ceremony 

Join us in celebrating outstanding environmental stewardship at the 2025 Earth Day Awards ceremony on April 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. You can attend in person or virtually.

*In person*

*Kitsap County Commissioners’ Chambers*
619 Division Street, 1st floor
Port Orchard, WA 98366

*Virtually through Zoom*

[link removed]

*Virtually by phone*

Dial 1-253-215-8782. When prompted, use webinar ID 886 7068 6402






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Contact Information

Tamara Krueger, Solid Waste Division Program Coordinator, 360.337.5777 or [email protected]
Kimberly Pleger, Public Works Communications Manager, 360.337.5777, 360.277.6032 or [email protected]

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Resources

Click the links below for more information about County resources.
"All news releases [ [link removed] ]  |  ""County Home Page [ [link removed] ]  |  ""Inclement Weather [ [link removed] ]  |  ""The Road Repor [ [link removed] ]t [ [link removed] ]"

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Other Contacts





*Public Communications
**Manager
*Krista Carlson <[email protected]>
360.337.4558




*Commissioners'
Office
*Rebecca Pirtle <[email protected]>
360.337.4650




*Sheriff's Office
Public Information Officer
*Kevin McCarty <[email protected]> <[email protected]>
360.271.0728






*Kitsap Electronic Notification System*

Questions? Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 or [email protected]







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