Submitted by Stewardship Network of the San Juan Islands

Why are recycle bins optimistic? Because they’re full of cans! This award season, let’s honor the ‘cans’ of the San Juans! The Oscars have nothing on the Finnies. Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! The categories aren’t Best Actor or Picture, but rather Youth, Individual, and Business.

Our daily lives changed dramatically last spring as we adopted new habits and routines. But islanders are known for creative resilience and care for the environment. Let’s recognize those individuals and businesses who have created or maintained a commitment to protecting the land and sea as we cope with the effects of COVID-19.

Since 2008, the Good Steward Awards, affectionately known as “Finnies,” have been sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans in recognition of individuals, families, teachers, students and businesses who are not conservation professionals and who have shown long-term dedication to preserving the land and sea of the San Juan archipelago in their daily lives.

Award recipients will be presented with large ceramic “Finnies,” locally handcrafted fish-shaped creations. COVID-safe award presentations will be in April, as the islands celebrate Earth Day.

To nominate a person or business, email the Finnie Committee at stewardshipsji@gmail.com. Nominations are due on Tuesday, March 2.