The love we all share for Northwest Washington is the inspiration behind Give Like You Live Here, our 48-hour fundraiser from November 5–6.
The mountains, coast, and waterways, the sense of community that comes with exploring the farmers market, supporting small businesses, and gathering with neighbors—these are a few of the many reasons we at RE Sources are so driven in our work, and why folks who live here decide to contribute to RE Sources financially. We asked our donors what they love about the Northwest and why they choose to support RE Sources. Here’s what they said:
Kit Topaz and Gibson (Gibby)
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the Northwest outdoors?
Hiking in the parks and forests, walking on the beach, bird watching.
Do you have a favorite place in Whatcom, Skagit or San Juan County to spend time outside?
I love Berthusen Park in Lynden for the amazing trees and Hovander Park in Ferndale for the open fields and Tenant Lake for watching birds and bugs. I live near Cornwall Park and often enjoy sitting amidst the towering cedars smelling their lovely fragrance and identifying native plants under the thick canopy.
What local environmental issue are you most concerned about right now?
I’m worried about water and woods and all of the creatures impacted by the pressure humans are putting on both.
Why do you choose to support RE Sources?
I don’t personally have time to stay informed and abreast of decisions that are being made that affect the environment I love. I rely on RE Sources to be a watchdog org, to fight for issues I care about and to let me know when I can lend my voice, too.
Paul and Nancy Orlowski
What local environmental issue are you most concerned about right now?
Limiting use of pastics to minimize proliferation and ingestion of micro-plastics.
Why do you choose to support RE Sources?
RE Sources is aware! They research, gather data to understand issues, inform, teach, train, help people get involved, lead, promote change and resolve environmental problems.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about getting involved or supporting local environmental action?
You can sit on your couch and brood about problems, or get involved with RE Sources and be the change you want to see with your financial support or active engagement.
Anything else you would like to share?
We moved here to go to Western and loved it. Ten years later, we pursued the corporate climb in Michigan and California, but only 9 months later, dissatisfied, we returned to Whatcom County where we’ve lived almost 50 years.
Ryan and Laura Sheehan
What does climate resilience look like to you?
To me, climate resilience means communities that are informed, connected, and prepared—not just to withstand climate impacts, but to adapt and thrive. It looks like healthy ecosystems, strong local leadership, equitable access to resources, and systems in place that protect the most vulnerable while reducing future risks. It’s about acting now to ensure a livable future for all.
What are a few of your favorite ways to enjoy Northwest Washington?
A few of my favorite ways to enjoy Northwest Washington are getting outside to hike in the mountains, walk along the coast, and paddle on the water—it’s hard to beat the natural beauty we have here. I also love exploring local farmers markets, supporting small businesses, and joining in on community events that celebrate our unique culture and connection to place. Whether it’s a quiet day in the forest or gathering with neighbors, there’s a deep sense of community and appreciation for the environment that makes this region truly special.
Why do you support RE Sources’ work to protect Northwest Washington?
I support RE Sources’ work because they take a holistic, community-driven approach to protecting what makes Northwest Washington so special—our environment, our health, and our future. From watchdogging pollution and shaping smart policy, to educating youth and empowering community action, RE Sources works at every level to create lasting change. Their focus on local solutions, science-based advocacy, and environmental justice ensures that everyone has a voice in building a resilient, thriving region for generations to come.
Dirk Vermeeren
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the Northwest outdoors?
My wife Kathy and I enjoy hiking locally and throughout the entire state and BC. Our Sprinter camper allows us to access a wide variety of trails and campgrounds including the coast down to SF. In addition, I have served on the CBC as a board member and ASA certified sailing instructor. I now continue sailing on my friend Chris’ J24 in the Thursday night races run by the CYC.
What local environmental issue are you most concerned about right now?
My thirty plus year professional career was primarily in the oil and gas industry. My various assignments in the downstream/refining industry exposed me to the entire process of monetizing the hydrocarbon molecule. Being involved in the business development side of the oil industry has given me a unique understanding of the positives and downside risks.
My career has allowed me to understand the decision drivers and implications; therefore, now as an outsider I continue to offer my insider perspective to organizations such RE Sources in helping local government develop long term environmental policies surrounding the oil industry.
Why do you choose to support RE Sources?
My personal vision is aligned with the work that RE Sources undertakes… I suggest that if the reason you moved here is related to the local environment and access to nature, I encourage you to get involved to preserve what you came here for.
Kate Bauer-Jones & Henry
Do you have a favorite place in Whatcom, Skagit or San Juan County to spend time outside?
I love so many special spots in our region! Any time I can get up Mt. Baker and take in the stunning world from that vantage point is a good day. A walk from Larrabee to Clayton Beach to watch the water and the islands is a good day. A ferry ride to anywhere in the San Juan Islands makes my heart happy—anywhere I can be surrounded by trees or mountains or water is my favorite place, which means I am very very lucky to live in the PNW!
What local environmental issue are you most concerned about right now?
I’m particularly concerned about habitat preservation as various competing interests in our modern world threaten the important forests and waters that so many species call home, and rely on for their survival. Every time I see the ground scared on a nearby hillside my heart hurts, and I am deeply grateful to RE Sources for the work you do to help protect the wild and natural lands we still have left!
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about getting involved or supporting local environmental action?
If someone is thinking about getting involved or supporting local environmental action, I would borrow from the Chinese axiom that the best time to get involved was yesterday. The second best time is today. Our environment needs every one of our voices, and there are so many ways to get involved and support our beautiful landscape – helping a community cleanup, practicing our reuse-reduce-recycle every day, giving financially or otherwise to important organizations like RE Sources! We can all do something, and if we weren’t doing it already, we can start right now!
Pamela Turner
What are a few of your favorite ways to enjoy Northwest Washington?
Walking, hiking and backpacking.
Why do you support RE Sources’ work to protect Northwest Washington?
I have solid respect for RE Sources expertise and commitment in matters of education, conservation, preservation, community building and working with local and state governments.
Why do you think it’s important to support local environmental advocacy, especially through RE Sources?
Local advocacy can mobilize people and local government in ways that larger government agencies cannot or choose not to. Our federal government is working against us, not for us, so local action is one of our best options.
Join your community in driving local action during Give Like You Live Here, our 48-hour fundraiser November 5-6!
Grassroots support for RE Sources comes from people who live here in Northwest Washington, as well as those who appreciate why this region is so unique and worth protecting.