The Suquamish Elementary School Basket Marsh project was created by students, volunteers, school district, the Suquamish Tribe and many others as an outdoor classroom and nature preserve. It will receive the President’s Environmental Youth Award from the EPA and nine of the “Pond Kids” will travel to Washington, D.C. to accept the award in later this month.

The award will be presented to “The Pond Kids” by either President Bush or the head of the EPA at the White House.

The pond is 30x50 foot with indigenous plants, reeds and grasses suitable for basket making, an Indian longhouse and a walking trail. It is called a “basket marsh” because the native plants were traditionally used by the tribes to weave baskets. They are still looking for funds so that all the kids can go, though the EPA will provide funding for the nine children. Call teacher Jan Jackson at 360-598-4219 if you’re interested in donating to the Pond Kids trip to D.C.