I’m reluctant to post things about myself, particularly when it’s good news, but as about half the readership of this blog had something to do with this award coming my way, I’m going post this as a big thank you! This is as much about the relationships I’ve built along the way as it is about the work. The truth is that one could not have happened without the other. Thank you, all of you, for reading this and for caring about the issues I write about.
Here’s an article about the award from the Island County Natural Resources Newsletter.
Introducing John Lovie: Jan Holmes Costal Volunteer of the Year
The Jan Holmes Award, presented by the Island County Marine Resources Committee, Sound Water Stewards, and WSU Extension – Island County, is given every year to an outstanding volunteer whose efforts contribute to the protection and restoration of the Island County marine ecosystem and coastal resources. The award is named to honor the memory of Jan Holmes, an exemplary marine scientist, educator, and champion for stewardship of the marine environment. To learn more about the Jan Holmes Award, click here!
John Lovie is a leader in the world of water quality and marine resource conservation. He is well deserved in winning the Jan Holmes Award for 2023!
John has been an avid volunteer, dedicating countless hours as part of community science organizations and community-driven boards to improve the water quality, coastal resources, and health of Island County. He can often be heard in his various committees as a voice of reason. He will take on projects and do the difficult work to drive environmental actions and ideas forward. John does more than simply attend meetings; whether he’s giving his opinion on a new Salmon Recovery project or developing technical tools, he always brings a presence of mind and critical eye to Island County’s restoration projects. His words are well thought out and considered, and his passion for protecting and restoring the environment and enhancing water quality always comes through. Island County and the Puget Sound region have benefited from his scientific background and expertise, and his prolific volunteering in multiple areas has given him a vast well of knowledge and context to work from. He shares information from all of his committees and uses it to enhance local knowledge, make connections, and drive projects forward. His background in chemistry and engineering makes him an expert who benefits every organization he is a part of.
Congratulations to John! Thank you for all of your hard work to make the Salish Sea a better place!
There was also a great article by Kira Erikson in the local paper, entitled Whidbey ‘serial volunteer’ wins stewardship award | South Whidbey Record. Thanks Kira!