2025 Sound Stewards: Celebrating Leaders in Conservation
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The Snohomish Conservation District is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Sound Steward Awards. These outstanding individuals and organizations are leading the way in conservation, demonstrating passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to protecting our natural resources. We celebrate their efforts and hope their stories spark inspiration for positive change in your own corner of the world.
SCD Natural Resource Director Kristin Marshall (left) & City of Snohomish Project Manager Brennan Collins
Sound Habitat: 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.
Left to right: SCD Forester Nolan Kitts (left) stands with Shira McDonald and Jared Busen
Sound Forest: Jared Busen and Shira McDonald
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.
SCD Community Conservation Department Manager Penny Crispin (middle) stands with Stephanie Sarantos (right) and members of Clearwater School.
Sound Green Solutions: 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.
SCD Community Conservation Department Manager penny crispin (left) stands with Glacier Peak Institute Interim Executive Director Scott Rossiter
Wildfire Resilient Community: Glacier Peak Institute
Our Fire Resilient Community award goes to Glacier Peak Institute for their outstanding leadership in wildfire safety and forest health.
Through youth education, brush control, community wood chipping, and habitat enhancement, they are actively reducing wildfire risk, improving air quality, and fostering long-term stewardship. Their workforce development programs provide meaningful opportunities for under- and unemployed community members, building local capacity and deepening connections to the land. Glacier Peak Institute is creating more prepared communities while equipping the next generation to safeguard their forests and their future.
Tulalip Tribes Acquisition and Stewardship Program Manager Brett Shattuck (left) and SCD Natural Resources Director Kristin Marshall
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 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.
Pictured: Michelle Canfield
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.
