Sound Farm: Michelle Canfield

Our Sound Farm award goes to Michelle Canfield of Canfield Farms. By relocating her sheep housing and feeding area out of the floodway and installing a waste storage structure, heavy use area, and roof runoff system, Michelle has helped protect water quality and provide her animals with a safe, dry place to bed down. As a French Creek Drainage District commissioner she pursues partnerships to improve habitat in the watershed and shares her knowledge through workshops and presentations. Michelle’s efforts exemplify a deep commitment to a healthy floodplain and a sustainable future for agriculture.

Sound Educator: Rinku Singh

We are proud to present our Sound Educator Award to Rinku Singh from Mukilteo Elementary School. Rinku has been a passionate partner in environmental education, collaborating with us for over six years and facilitating lessons that inspire his own students and other classes throughout the school. Rinku brings care and commitment to his teaching, always striving to help his students learn, grow, and succeed. His advocacy for science education has made him an invaluable partner in bringing hands-on learning to the classroom and deepening students’ understanding of the natural world.

Sound Partner: Brett Shattuck

We are proud to present our Sound Partner Award to Brett Shattuck and the Tulalip Tribes for their exceptional leadership in salmon recovery, watershed restoration, and farm/fish/flood initiatives. Brett and the Tulalip Tribes have been essential partners in large-scale efforts to restore floodplains, remove fish passage barriers, and protect critical riparian areas. They are leaders in working to find compromise and win-win solutions for salmon recovery and agriculture; their work in the Tualco Valley Connectivity Project demonstrates their commitment to supporting a vibrant agricultural community, reducing flood hazards for communities, and restoring watersheds to support thriving salmon populations for Tribes and the broader community. Their collaboration on the Snohomish and Stillaguamish Cooperative Fish Passage Barrier Initiative has been especially impactful in advancing collaborative, strategic fish passage barrier removals in Snohomish County. We extend our sincere gratitude to Brett and the Tulalip Tribes for their unwavering commitment and invaluable partnership.

Sound Green Solutions: Clearwater School

SCD Community Conservation Department Manager Penny Crispin (middle) stands with Stephanie Sarantos (right) and members of Clearwater School.

Our Sound Green Solutions award goes to Clearwater School. As a new partner, Clearwater has enthusiastically collaborated with our Habitat, Agriculture, and Community Conservation teams to steward their unique urban campus which includes a creek and a small, forested area. They are actively managing invasive species, restoring habitat, and planning a school garden in partnership with their students. By thoughtfully using the natural resources on their campus for both educational and community benefit, Clearwater is creating a living example of how schools can lead meaningful change.

Sound Forest: Jared Busen and Shira McDonald

Left to right: SCD Forester Nolan Kitts (left) stands with Shira McDonald and Jared Busen

We are honored to present the Sound Forest Award to Jared Busen and Shira McDonald for their commitment to sustainable forest stewardship and education. Jared and Shira have gone above and beyond on their property with native species planting, invasive species management, riparian restoration, and forest farming. They generously hosted a biochar demonstration and welcomed our crew for hands-on precommercial thinning training. Their on-the-ground efforts and eagerness to share knowledge makes them true leaders among small forest landowners.

Sound Habitat: Brennan Collins

SCD Natural Resource Director Kristin Marshall (left) & City of Snohomish Project Manager Brennan Collins

We are proud to recognize Brennan Collins of the City of Snohomish with the Sound Habitat Award for his outstanding partnership and dedication to the Pilchuck Julia Park Riparian Restoration and Agroforestry Project. Brennan’s collaborative spirit has been key to the project’s success—supporting habitat restoration, noxious weed management, and the creation of a thriving food forest. He has also organized numerous volunteer events, ensuring consistent site care and strong community involvement. His leadership and cooperative approach have made a lasting impact, helping transform the site into vital riparian habitat and a hub for environmental education, public recreation, and community engagement.