Jack McManis | Youth & Community
/What's your connection to the land?
I have grown up hiking and exploring the scenic green spaces we call home here in Western Washington. I also have the privilege of rowing on the Snohomish River every day for Everett Rowing Association. My intimate experiences in nature have given me a deep respect for the local natural resources we work to preserve.
What actions have you taken as a steward that you're most proud of and/or that you feel have made the biggest difference?
I am proud of the restoration of the Mukilteo Elementary School Outdoor Classroom that has taken place over the last three years. The 2-acre forest transformed from an overgrown stand of Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy to a native forest and outdoor laboratory for the 660 students of Mukilteo Elementary. 5100+ volunteer hours went into the development of the outdoor classroom. Boy Scouts, students, and parents of Mukilteo Elementary came together in what was truly a collective effort for the betterment of a neglected parcel of land for the benefit of students and the environment.
What’s your hope for the next 75 years? And/or what advice do you have for those next 75 years?
From my work at Mukilteo Elementary School, I am very optimistic about the future of environmental stewardship. The students of Mukilteo Elementary School are so enthusiastic about working in the outdoor classroom that I have had students ask me when the next workday was. Ultimately, the next generation of conservationists will be more than ready for the environmental challenges of tomorrow.
Who are you?
- Name: Jack McManis
- Where is home? Mukilteo
- Where are you from? I have lived in Mukilteo my whole life.
