PaulBen & Jeanie McElwain

PaulBen and Jeanie McElwain are being honored with the Jan Holmes Award for 2025 for their leadership in Sound Water Stewards and many other organizations, and their outstanding contributions to education about and preservation of our Island County shorelines.

This 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.

PaulBen and Jeanie McElwain are shining examples of dedicated environmental stewards whose contributions have profoundly impacted the community. Their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm for preserving the natural world have made them invaluable assets to numerous organizations and initiatives.

Over the years, PaulBen and Jeanie have logged over 8,000 volunteer hours with the Sound Water Stewards (SWS) alone. Their involvement includes leading SWS’s Whidbey Island intertidal monitoring program and bluff erosion study, facilitating Volunteer Education and Training (VET) classes, serving on the Board of Directors, and contributing significantly to the Marine Resources Committee. Their dedication and tireless volunteerism extends to many other organizations, including Whidbey Watershed Stewards, Whidbey Climate Action, and the Greening Congregations Collaborative.

Their passion for the environment is evident in their approach to education and engagement. They possess an innate ability to spark curiosity and inspire others, whether through formal education sessions or chance encounters on the beach. Their knowledge and generosity make them approachable and informative, enriching the understanding and sense of stewardship in countless individuals.

Jeanie and PaulBen's respect for interconnectedness empowers their teaching, emphasizing the importance of every living creature and the delicate balance of ecosystems. They honor each individual's contribution and consistently enhance the quality of any experience they are involved in. They embody the true spirit of naturalists, continually seeking to learn and share their knowledge.

Thank you and congratulations to PaulBen and Jeanie for all their hard work to make the Salish Sea a better place!