The February 20th Natural Resources meeting showcased Tom Murdoch, director emeritus and founder of Adopt-a-Stream Foundation. Tom continues his lifelong mission of environmental education at the Northwest Stream Center, 600 128th St. SE, Everett.
Tom opened his remarks by updating the committee on the Growth Management Hearing Board’s decision regarding county wetland regulations in the recently-updated Comprehensive Regulations. The Board upheld the protection of buffers for riparian zones but allowed the filling of small wetlands under certain conditions. The Board criticized the County for not adequately addressing Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations and appearing to bypass best available science in their decision making. Tom’s concerns about the cumulative effect of filling small wetlands remain unaddressed. The Board underscored the need for the plaintiffs to show evidence of damage done when small wetlands are filled.
Tom proceeded to describe how the Stream Center is transforming into an Environmental Sustainability Lab with a $2.5 million project. The lab would feature sustainable building projects and energy-saving technologies. The center will demonstrate temperature control through colored roofing, solar and rain sheds, UV-reflective windows, and energy-efficient appliances, with particular focus on helping visitors understand practical sustainability measures they can implement at home. Tom reported securing over $1 million in funding and plans to self-certify the facility's compliance with Living Building Status requirements, while also pursuing the addition of electric vehicle chargers and seeking public transportation accessibility promotion. With the boardwalk cleaned of moss, he also promoted the spring-like Swamp Lantern event and Judy Lee, children’s environmental author, program. A full viewing of the presentation is available at the League’s YouTube website.
REPORTS:
Legislative Reports - Julie Martinson mentioned the passage of a number of bills addressing AI Data Centers, attempting to limit their impact during peak energy use hours and emergencies. She said further work is needed to restore assistance for weatherization for the less financially able.
Transportation Committee - Julie Winchell said she would explore interest among former members and new membership.
Sierra Club – Nancy Johnson continues to work with Kicking Gas. Julie Martinson praised their lobby spokespersons in Olympia.
Edmonds Marsh Advocates – Marjie Fields – February 2026, the City of Edmonds was awarded a second major grant of $677,400 from the
National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) to advance the Edmonds Marsh restoration project. This federal funding, in partnership with NOAA, will support developing a design for reconnecting the marsh to Puget Sound.
On Your Bookshelf – Joan described
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy as a climate fiction novel that uses several plot elements to consider major environmental issues of climate change. She also mentioned that the University of Washington also maintains a seed bank to preserve native plant seeds of Washington.
NEXT MEETING: March 20th, 10:00 A.M. by Zoom. The guest speaker is Bill Lider, Civil Engineer, who will speak on the ongoing watershed and wetland preservation concerns within the County.