The San Juan Island Conservation Corps will be conducting its second year of operation this spring, summer, and fall.

The Madrona Institute is pleased to provide this youth stewardship program to middle school students on San Juan Island in cooperation with our federal partner, the National Park Service. Both our organizations feel strongly about the importance of engaging youth in field science, natural/cultural history, leadership skills development, and service leaning, at an early age.

On behalf of the board of directors of the Madrona Institute, I would like to acknowledge and thank local organizations who have provided financial support for this year’s program: San Juan Island Community Foundation, San Juan Masonic Lodge No. 175, and United Way of San Juan County. The Stewardship Network of the San Juans is a co-sponsor of the program.

The San Juan Island Conservation Corps demonstrates the best of a public-private partnership, nurturing deep connections between a younger generation and our public lands through recreational, educational, volunteer, and work experiences.

Ron Zee, San Juan Island

— Editor’s note: Mr. Zee is CEO of The Madrona Institute