IOSA Empowers Local Environmental Youth Groups with Generous Field Supplies Donation
FRIDAY HARBOR, Washington - The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) recently donated a large amount of field supplies to two local youth groups: the Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps and the San Juan Islands Youth Conservation Corps. The two groups split the donation, accepting rain jackets, new backpacks, and miscellaneous field supplies to be utilized for both youth programs.
The San Juan Islands Youth Conservation Corps (SJIYCC), operated through the San Juan Islands Conservation District, offers conservation and stewardship summer programs for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. Through close collaboration with program staff, conservation professionals, and partner education programs, participants engage in hands-on stewardship and restoration projects, inquiry-based outdoor education, and professional development.
The Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps (CSYSC), as the primary youth program of The Madrona Institute, serves indigenous youth aged 14 and above from the Lummi, Samish, W̱SÁNEĆ, Swinomish, Tulalip, Stillaguamish, and other Coast Salish Tribes. Working alongside public land managing agencies, this program aims to foster cross-cultural connections that integrate regional Tribal cultural restoration initiatives with the broader goal of addressing the diaspora of the Coast Salish people. By reconnecting youth with their ancestral natural heritage and cultivating relationships within local communities, the CSYSC revitalizes a sense of place, belonging, and healing amongst native youth.
Both the SJIYCC and the CSYSC are committed to providing accessible and equitable programming for local youth. However, one of the persistent challenges they face is acquiring high-quality gear, which can be costly and prohibitive for many families. With this recent donation from IOSA, both programs can now amplify their efforts in offering stewardship opportunities to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or access to gear.
We would like to extend a huge thanks you to the dedicated volunteers and staff members who made this donation possible. We would also like to offer a special thank you to Page Read, Lopez IOSA volunteer extraordinaire, who played an integral role in sorting, organizing, managing communications, and facilitating this donation. It is through the collective collaboration of organizations and individuals like you that we can foster impactful learning experiences for youth! However, the donation doesn’t stop there - IOSA also donated supplies and gear to Wolf Hollow Rehabilitation Center, Guardian Veterinary Hospital, Lopez Fire and EMS, and the fishing vessel Finley Vern.
It is worth mentioning that these donations have already proven their worth. Recently, the Madrona Institute staff used rain jackets during a rainy Camas bake on Whidbey Island, showcasing the immediate impact of the field supplies. Rain or shine, this field season, we are prepared for any adventure!
Thank you again, IOSA, for this generous donation!
- Madrona Staff & Board
