The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Each year, we like to honor a volunteer who deserves special recognition for their dedication and service. This year, it proved to be too difficult to name just one so we are celebrating three!

Marion and Mike Jarisch

If we tried to add up the number of hours Marion and Mike have donated to the Conservancy, it just wouldn’t be possible because their volunteer work has become an integral part of their lives. This dynamic duo are a cornerstone of the volunteer program and have been a dependable part of our staff for years on the South Sound Prairies, Moses Coulee, Yellow Island and other preserves around the state.

Marion’s leadership skills can inspire a work crew to get any task done. She takes the helm as a lead organizer for Prairie Appreciation Day and stepped up on a number of restoration projects requiring special skills and knowledge. As for Mike, don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you. He has proved himself to be the King of Scotch Broom and is personally responsible for eradicating acres of the invasive plant from preserves. For years, Mike has also been a reliable handyman in the Seattle office, earning our gratitude for taking on odd jobs at the last minute. 

Bob Branberg

Install a shelf? No problem, Bob will do it! Figure out the most efficient way to monitor a science project? Piece of cake! Wallpaper a conference room? Bob’s got it covered! You name it, Bob will do it and often with a good joke thrown in too. Bob’s versatility and can-do attitude have been a huge help for staff on a wide variety of projects.

Bob travels around Seattle on an electric bike, and, lucky for us, travels around the state of Washington to lend a hand with stewardship and restoration projects on Conservancy preserves.

We’re very thankful to Bob, Mike and Marion for all you do!