Leaders with the Sustainable Whidbey Coalition announced Monday that the eight-year program will be ending.

“After much thought and consideration, our steering committee has decided that, pending approval by the Council of Governments, the remaining Sustainable Whidbey Coalition funds will be donated to the Sound Water Stewards of Island County, aka Beach Watchers, for use in sustainability programs,” said coordinator Melody Kuschnereit. “The Beach Watchers have always been strong supporters of ours, we are confident they will make good use of this donation, for the benefit of our Whidbey Island home.”

In its eight years of operating, the coalition acted as a hub for information and resources related to sustainability on Whidbey Island.

The group served as a starting place for think tanks and collaborative efforts as well as provided support and technical assistance for project design and fund development on various projects.

The coalition has 25 members and 77 affiliate members, and more than 76 organizations earned a Whidbey Green Seal for sustainable practices.

“We are hopeful that future leadership and inspiration will provide an opportunity for the SWC to serve our community once again,” Kuschnereit said.