Q&A with Jackie Lasater
Jackie Lasater serves on the Whidbey Audubon Board of Directors as the Conservation and Science Board Member and as the Conservation Committee Chair. She has been a member of Whidbey Audubon for two years and joined the Conservation Committee last August.
We talked with Jackie about her work with Audubon and her passion for activism and advocacy.
What is the role of the Conservation Committee?
The Conservation Committee, on a local scale, follows Audubon Washington’s approach, which is, “We do conservation through birds.” Birds are our focus for education about the environment and ecosystems, and birds show us which habitats are the healthiest and which need protection. Focusing on the needs of birds reveals the policy needs of people: clean air and water and functioning ecosystems.
What is the Conservation Committee working on now?
When I became the chair, the Conservation Committee’s first project was furthering protections for Deer Lagoon. We are still working hard on that effort. Our group has been analyzing strategies that offer the best outcomes, creating a community collation to optimize advocacy, and researching funding opportunities to support infrastructure, enforcement and management of the preserve.
I know that Deer Lagoon could be an even more valuable sanctuary for birds, wildlife and other aquatic species—as well as an educational platform to inspire future environmental stewards—because I’ve seen a successful example firsthand. As a young adult, when I lived in Arcata, California, I spent many hours at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary watching birds and other aquatic species. It was an environment very similar to Deer Lagoon Preserve, albeit Deer Lagoon is on a smaller scale. Both environments have fresh and salt water lagoons and wetlands, both have a coastal prairie influence. In partnership with the local government, the Arcata Marsh sanctuary is thriving.
“A love of observing and trying to understand animal behavior has been a lifelong interest of mine.”
What brought you to Whidbey Island?
As a young adult, I went to undergraduate and grad school at Cal Poly – Humboldt. While there, I obtained credentials in school psychology, counseling, social work and school administration. I also completed a minor in Native American Studies and the coursework for a marriage family therapist license.
After my post-graduate study in California, I was required to complete a yearlong internship in the public school system. Seeking an adventure, I accepted an internship in the Seattle area, and moved to Whidbey Island, commuting daily to the mainland. That was in the early 1980s.
After I completed the internship, I moved back to Arcata and worked as a school psychologist and later as an assistant superintendent of special education. When I retired, I moved back to Whidbey. I wanted to be closer to my daughter, who lives in West Seattle, and I needed a rural area to relocate with my horse, three goats, two dogs and two cats!
What is your vision for Whidbey Audubon Society?
I’d like to see us become a player in environmental conservation and protection efforts on Whidbey Island, in the Puget Sound region, and beyond. In this political climate, it is imperative that we form partnerships with other active environmental groups to magnify the impact of our advocacy efforts.
How can Audubon members help you and your committee?
In addition to being birders at heart, the Conservation Committee consists of a small number of very active environmental advocates. We could use a few more members who share our passion to join us!
Of course, we always have to ask: What are your favorite birding sites and what are your favorite birds?
Pretty much any high desert area, like Sedona, Cave Creek, and the Tres Rios Wetlands in Phoenix Arizona. My favorite birds are Roadrunner, Cactus Wren, Raven, White-breasted Nuthatch, Kingfisher and Mountain Quail. Then, of course, there are the owls. The list could go on and on!
