Mountaineers Foundation

The Mountaineers Foundation is dedicated to passing the best possible environmental legacy to ensuing generations. The Foundation, working through the volunteer board serves those who are committed to the responsible stewardship and active enjoyment of the beauty and diversity of the natural resources. The Foundation promotes the long view of stewardship by building and maintaining strong relationships with both donors and grantees based on mutual trust and openness. Established in 1968 as a registered 501(c)(3), the Mountaineers Foundation is dedicated to passing the best possible environment legacy to ensuing generations. The Foundation, working through the volunteer board of directors, serves those who are committed to the responsible stewardship and active enjoyment of the beauty and diversity of the natural resources. Vision The Mountaineers Foundation is dedicated to the environmental health of the Salish Sea region. They will leave the legacy of a healthy environment and natural areas for future generations. In partnership with other like-minded organizations they will ensure environmental conservation and the responsible enjoyment of natural areas within the Salish Sea region. Mission The Mountaineers Foundation promotes actions and fosters understanding to inspire conservation within the Salish Sea region. The mission and vision combine to give us a two-fold strategy. They proudly steward, preserve, and restore the beautiful 440-acre Rhododendron Preserve on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. The Preserve has a long history dating back to the original 74-acre parcel purchase in 1915 by The Mountaineers. The property grew over time with the most recent addition in 2012 when Mountaineers Foundation purchased 69.7 acres from the Ueland Tree Farm thanks to a generous grant from the Suquamish Tribe and donations to the Foundation. The purchase includes Chico Creek and its floodplain, valleys with mature vegetation, and upland areas with regenerating forests. Much of the Preserve has never been clearcut, and about 70 acres of old growth forest lies at its heart. Ancient western red cedar and the spectacular Big Tree, a Douglas fir tree over 30 feet around, remind us what the Puget lowland looked like centuries ago. Salmon and other wildlife abound. They also support grants covering a gamut of environmental education projects. Several times each year, the Community Grants Committee reviews and prioritizes grant applications and provides funding based on a number of factors outlined in the public grant guidelines. Funded projects have addressed a wide range of conservation education projects, from public classroom curriculum to community-focused, habitat-restoration communications and trainings.