Kitsap County News

John Mikesell has been a dedicated Kitsap County volunteer for 17 years. Upon Kitsap County acquiring Chico Salmon Park in 2007, John began his quest to restore the parcel to what it is today. He has devoted nearly 5,000 hours leading restoration projects, educating visitors of all ages, and being a steward of the land. 

As a Master Gardener and Native Plants expert, John has personally labeled plants throughout Chico Salmon Park and Erlands Point Preserve and crafted trail signs to guide visitors. He has organized over 160 work parties and remains a driving force behind conservation efforts. His artistic touch can be seen in a hand-carved salmon sculpture at the park.

At 91 years old, John continues to be a familiar face at Chico Salmon Park as both a Salmon Docent and Stream Steward. During the fall salmon migration and Kitsap Salmon Tours, he dedicates seven days a week to educating visitors about the fish, water quality, and stream ecology, while also actively participating in Salmon in the Classroom activities. In addition, John leads an educational series at the Hansville Greenway, mentoring students from Catalyst Charter School.

His dedication and impact make him an irreplaceable steward of Kitsap County’s natural spaces. As Aaron Bartleson, Kitsap County Parks Natural Resources Coordinator, put it, “If you see a silver-haired individual picking up trash or caring for native plants, it’s probably John.”

Jane Martin has been a driving force in waste reduction and community sustainability for over 14 years. As the leader of the Zero Waste Bainbridge Tableware Lending Library, she has helped prevent thousands of items from being bought or discarded, promoting borrowing over buying new. Jane advocates for reuse and reduction throughout the county by volunteering at Kitsap Fix-it Fairs as a jewelry fixer, serving as an ambassador at Zero Waste discard stations, hosting booths at farmer’s markets, and sorting metal bi-weekly.

For 12 years, Jane has led the Green Team at the annual Bainbridge Rotary Rummage Sale. She is also the co-founder of the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project, which began 20 years ago to repurpose donated jewelry. Jane sorts, repairs, and sells the jewelry to raise funds for women's shelters. Additionally, her work provides jewelry to women in shelters, children, and theater groups; thus, benefiting the community and boosting the confidence of clients.

Jane’s creativity and innovation, from designing resourceful signage to improving events, have left a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and the positive change she continues to bring to our community.

Dillon Corson is an ISA certified arborist and qualified tree risk assessor serving Kitsap County. Through his business, Holistic Tree Care, Dillon approaches every project with a deep respect for the local environment, treating each tree as a vital part of the community’s unique ecosystem.

Dillon’s commitment to tree preservation and sustainability enhances air quality, strengthens soil stability, and supports local ecosystems and wildlife. By using eco-friendly practices, he sets a powerful example of sustainability in the tree care industry.

Beyond his work in tree care, Dillon actively contributes to the community by enriching public spaces, repurposing trees into wildlife habitats, and educating residents on the role of urban forestry in biodiversity. We are truly grateful for his dedication to both the environment and the well-being of our community.

The Neurodiverse Students Conservation Corps, led by Morgan Houk and Cody Ogren, provides neurodivergent high school students—an underrepresented group in the conservation field—with employment-based learning opportunities. Through hands-on conservation work in Bainbridge Island parks, participants gain valuable outdoor education and job experience.

In 2024, this dedicated crew made a lasting impact—restoring four parks, removing 60 yards of invasive species, identifying over 15 plant species, spreading 10 yards of woodchip mulch, and planting hundreds of native plants. Beyond ecological improvements, the program fosters teamwork, leadership, and real-world job skills. Kitsap County is grateful for their commitment to empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.

A parent shared their appreciation saying, “The SCOCO program really put a skip in our son's step as he grew confident in knowing he had a reliable relationship with the staff to improve through daily check-ins.”

The Lost Creek Lane Road Committee, led by Monica and Eric Phillips, went above and beyond to tackle a critical stormwater issue affecting Wildcat Lake. Through decisive action, community outreach, historical awareness, and open communication with the County, they showed how a dedicated group can come together to protect both local waterways and neighborhoods.

Lost Creek Lane NW—an unpaved private road serving more than 60 land parcels—had been steadily eroding, sending muddy runoff into a nearby ditch. This runoff violated both Kitsap County Code and state water quality standards. Turbid (muddy) water doesn’t just reduce stream clarity—it also carries harmful pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens. These contaminants can degrade ecosystems and pose risks to public health.

Despite the challenge of coordinating with over 60 parcel owners, the committee successfully met all compliance deadlines, secured community funding, hired a contractor, and completed vital improvements—including paving the road, installing water bars, and reinforcing ditches.

By working closely with property owners, they not only resolved a significant water quality issue but also restored the health of the local ecosystem. Their efforts will have a lasting positive impact, and Kitsap County is deeply grateful for their commitment to both the environment and the community.