The Alder Forest Initiative
Flowing Strong, Growing Wild, Returning Home.
The Alder Forest Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the stream, vegetation and habitat to their natural state to allow for the return of native salmon populations. Beyond restoration efforts, we seek to create a free, public community education center focused on salmon, stream ecology, and native vegetation surrounding the Hood Canal. Through hands-on events, classes, and stewardship programs, we aim to inspire residents to become active guardians of the region’s environmental heritage.
Mission Statement
To help restore the salmon habitats in the Hood Canal and educate the community on the importance of protecting and preserving local ecosystems for future generations.
Vision Statement
A thriving Hood Canal ecosystem where salmon runs flourish once more, supported by a knowledgeable and engaged community of environmental stewards.
Objectives
- Restore key stream areas, shoreline, and remove 3 fish barriers to support healthy salmon spawning.
- Develop a free public education center on Hood Canal ecology.
- Host regular community events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
- Foster a culture of environmental stewardship and conservation.
Programs and Services
- Habitat Restoration Projects: Identify and rehabilitate degraded stream areas with native plantings, erosion control, and fish passage improvements.
- Community Education Center: A physical space offering interactive exhibits, educational classes, and resource materials about salmon, waterways, and local ecosystems.
- Volunteer Stewardship Program: Organize restoration work parties, beach cleanups, and citizen science initiatives.
- Public Events and Classes: Workshops on stream conservation, native plant gardening, environmental monitoring, and salmon biology.
Community Building
- Local residents passionate about the environment
- Visitors and tourists
- Students and educators
- Homeowners along the Hood Canal and nearby streams
- Conservation groups and outdoor enthusiasts
- Tribal communities and partners invested in salmon recovery
Collaborators
- Board of Directors: Provide governance, oversight, and strategic planning.
- Executive Director: Manage daily operations, program development, and fundraising.
- Volunteer Coordinators: Organize and train volunteers for restoration and education activities.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with government agencies, conservation districts, non-profits, schools, and universities.
Financial Projections
- Startup: $200,000 to establish the non-profit, initial ecological assessments, surveys, preliminary restoration work and management of collaboration between local organizations and government offices to restore the stream.
Funding sources – founding sponsorships, grants, private donations, and events
- Year 1 budget: $1,500,000 for funding the stream and vegetation restoration, establish community center, education center materials, staffing, and research partnerships.
Funding sources – grants, non-profit organizations, events, and private donations
- Year 2-3 expansion: $1,000,000 Increase funding through grants and growing donor base to add more programming and allow for on site residencies for education opportunities, research and community awareness.
Funding sources – grants, non-profit organizations, events, and private donations
Project Cost to public opening. $1,200,000 million