We envision an Island County whose protected environment supports myriad species in harmony, and whose engaged community recognizes the interdependence of all life and actively participates in stewardship of and advocacy for our shared home.
Our mission is to protect ecosystems on Whidbey, Camano, and beyond through civic education, policy advocacy, and litigation. We serve this mission through:
Environmental Education
We provide resources and experiences that connect our neighbors to nature and support their understanding of environmental science and ecological processes.
Engagement & Advocacy
We provide tools to support people to advocate for the environment, to engage in civic processes, and to take collective responsibility for the wellbeing of our island homes.
Preservation & Restoration
We work to prevent damage to ecosystems when possible and restore them when necessary, with attention to species diversity, natural systems, and habitat health.
Litigation
We advocate to improve and enforce local ordinances and public policy. When necessary, we use legal means to enforce laws that protect the environment.
We serve Whidbey and Camano Islands
Whidbey Environmental Action Network (WEAN) began as a group of community members on Whidbey Island concerned about industrial clear-cut logging in their neighborhoods in the 1980s.
Under the leadership of founders Marianne Edain and Steve Erickson, the organization gained a reputation for litigating against local jurisdictions to uphold environmentally protective laws. Today, under new leadership, WEAN continues to protect ecosystems in Island County and beyond through civic education, policy advocacy, and litigation.
