Janice Sears is a longtime champion of SeaDoc Society’s work in the Salish Sea—her special “home away from home.” In addition to her great energy and spirit, she’s a recurring monthly donor, meaning she has scheduled an automatic donation at the start of each month, and a Wildlifer, the backbone of our program. In addition to all of that, Janice is exploring becoming a legacy giver as well.
A legacy gift is a planned future donation—a way to make an investment in something you care about after you are gone. It can provide important tax benefits, including a charitable income tax deduction or savings on capital gains taxes. Gifts can be structured to give you lifetime use of your property or income from your investments.
Learn more about Janice below and check out her awesome travel blog (especially the latest post about Orcas Island)!
What initially inspired you to support SeaDoc Society?
As a Washington State Native, I am extremely concerned about the health, or lack thereof of the Salish Sea. I am sad as I observe salmon and other sea life disappearing. I support SeaDoc because they are a science based, objective organization. Dr Joe, as an example, brought calmness, objectivity and professionalism to the Governor’s Orca Recovery Task Force last year.
What is your biggest concern about Salish Sea health?
My biggest concern is the lack of awareness of the Salish Sea, it’s plight and what the average citizen can do to help: fix oil leaks in your car, pick up dog poop, don’t use chemicals in your yard, don’t flush toxins, pick up litter/plastic, support sound public policy and learn about stormwater runoff and how you can help to limit this massive polluter!
What are your favorite aspects of SeaDoc Society as an organization?
I certainly enjoy having SeaDoc on Orcas, my “home away from home”. But, more importantly, I appreciate that this a small local non-profit focuses on education, policy AND science for our beloved Salish Sea.
Why should others consider supporting ocean health?
It seems as though land health and preservation have initially had more attention than our oceans. But now we know that people and the planet are as dependent on healthy oceans for food and CO2 absorption, as forests, as an example!
What’s your favorite species in the Salish Sea?
The magnificent, iconic and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales are at the top of the food chain and my list. However, as a Beach Naturalist, with the Seattle Aquarium, I find invertebrates, at the other end of the food chain, to be incredibly intriguing. My current favorite is the Giant Plumose Anemone. I love it when I come across one on a dock or in a sandy beach with its veil out chomping away!