The Mountaineers Foundation is pleased to announce the acceptance of a gift of a conservation easement from Ueland Tree Farm, LLC protecting approximately 100 acres of critical watershed near Chico and Lost Creeks in perpetuity. The conservation areas are in the northern portion of the Ueland Tree Farm property in central Kitsap County and borders the Mountaineers Foundation Rhododendron Preserve. The easements include critical portions of the Lost Creek and Chico Creek watersheds. This generous gift ensures that riparian zones adjacent to these watercourses in the Rhododendron Preserve, near the Mountaineers Forest Theater, are preserved in perpetuity and is another step toward ensuring the long term health of these important salmon-bearing stream systems. The agreement also includes an option for the Foundation to purchase 68 acres of Ueland’s property as an addition to the Preserve.

“We first approached Craig Ueland about purchasing this acreage when Ueland Tree Farm acquired the property as part of its larger purchase of over 1,700 acres in 2004,” says James Gordon, President of the Mountaineers Foundation. “The protection afforded these areas demonstrates Ueland Tree Farm’s commitment to environmentally responsible management of their property. We have continually had a positive relationship with Craig Ueland and his associates, and we hope to continue it in the future. I believe there is still more opportunity for mutual benefit as we work with our neighbor in conserving the natural beauty of the Preserve.”

“The Chico Creek basin is a special place, one that deserves to be protected for future generations,” added Craig Ueland, Managing Member of Ueland Tree Farm, LLC. “As a major landowner in the watershed, we take our stewardship responsibilities seriously and are honored to join with the Mountaineers Foundation to preserve this property.”

The fundraising effort to exercise the purchase option for the 68 acres will begin immediately.

We provide financial support for public benefit programs of the Mountaineers Club--such as the Library, Hikes for At Risk Kids, and the Mountaineers Players.

Our Community Grants program is unique in so many ways.  It funds groups doing important work that are often 'under the radar' of other donors.  In many instances, a grant from the Foundation for a small portion of a program's cost is a 'stamp of approval' that the group can use to successfully raise additional funds from foundations that would not otherwise have considered a grant. See a list of our grants awards here.

The Foundation owns and manages the beautiful 360-acre Rhododendon Preserve in central Kitsap County. This magnificent property is one of the largest parcels of Puget Sound lowland old-growth in existence. The property contributes to sustaining a vibrant Chum salmon population. The property is use for several educational programs to enligten students on salmon life-cycle and habitat.

The Mountaineers Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that is very proud to be affiliated with, but is separate from The Mountaineers Club.

By Nancy Neyenhouse, Chair - Grant Screening Committee

The Mountaineer Foundation has been an ardent supporter of organizations who bring educational projects to our grant-proposal table. The Foundation’s mission to promote the study, protection and enjoyment of natural areas is perfectly suited to this project.

In 2007, the McCall Outdoor Science School asked the Foundation to approve their proposal to partner with the McCall-Donnelly High School environmental science class. The ultimate goal was to empower high school students as citizen scientists to affect change in their community. How could we resist.

We have recently been honored by a generous legacy gift from William "Bill" Lahr. Bill was born in California in 1919. He served in the armed forces, worked at Boeing, and was the lead art handler at the Seattle Art Museum from 1960 to 1984. Bill graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1937 and continued on to take classes at the University of Washington.

Bill and his wife of 54 years, Dorothy, who passed away in 2000, were avid mountaineers and shared a mutual interest in trains and railways, volunteering for the West Coast Railway Association. Bill was a long time member of Seattle Mountain Rescue and the Mountaineers Club. Dorothy used to tell people that she "tied into Bill's rope and never let loose." The couple were long-time volunteers for the Mountaineers Players and the Kitsap Forest Theater. Dorothy making costumes and Bill working on sets and other "behind the scenes" projects.

Bill passed away on January 12, 2008. Our condolences and deep appreciation go out to the Lahr family and his many friends in the Mountaineers.