Pictured from left to right: Shona Aitken, Todd Nicholson, and Bruce Robinson.

Not pictured: Katlynn Rezebek

For over 30 years, Shona was a cornerstone of Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where she led public education and outreach efforts with compassion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to local wildlife. As Education Coordinator, she helped thousands of people-young and old -develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of caring for the animals we share it with. Through school visits, presentations, and countless community engagements, Shona brought wildlife into the hearts and minds of our island community.

Her contributions extended far beyond her role at Wolf Hollow. Shona has been a steady, generous presence in the Stewardship Network, attending nearly every meeting over the years and always offering thoughtful insight, support, and a warm welcome to new members. Her leadership was instrumental in organizing the Green Village at the San Juan County Fair, a collaborative space that continues to highlight the importance of sustainability and local environmental action during the annual event.

Shona retired in spring 2024, but her legacy continues to thrive- in the organizations she supported, the people she inspired, and the wild creatures whose lives she helped protect.

We are honored to recognize Shona Aitken for a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and love for the natural world. Her work has left a lasting imprint on the San Juan Islands and all of us fortunate enough to work beside her.

Shona Aitken

Lifetime Achievement

A retired teacher with a heart for service and a mind for solutions, Bruce has made a huge impact through his leadership and hands-on dedication.

Bruce has spent years working to create a sustainable and resilient homestead, modeling what it means to live with intention and care for the earth. An example of one of his many contributions includes partnering with the San Juan Island Brewing Co. to prevent spent grain from ending up in the landfill-stepping in personally to ensure this valuable resource found a new home when the previous recipient could no longer take it.

He's been a steadfast presence in organizations devoted to a better future. As a member of the Transition San Juan Island steering committee, an instrumental force at the San Juan Island Grange, and an active contributor to the Overmarsh Farms Commons, Bruce helps grow community-focused solutions from the ground up.

His commitment doesn't stop there. From European green crab surveys to the Great Islands Clean-Up, to helping restore and steward Garry oak habitat on Cady Mountain with the Conservation Land Bank's Oak Team, Bruce shows up-time and again-for the hard work of stewardship. He even launched a chicken-raising supply project to help people of all ages raise their own eggs and meat.

Bruce Robinson exemplifies what it means to be a "good steward"-not just of the land, but of community, connection, and care.