The prestigious, 2014 Don Bush Environmental Stewardship Award, will be presented to Dave Flexhaug of Hope, as a nod to his philanthropic campaign to keep surrounding areas as mother nature originally intended.
Don Bush was the original recipient, of which, the award was aptly named, after being recognized in 2010, for his heroic efforts toward cleaning up the Skagit Valley every Friday from May to September. Dave took over the helm, after Don retired from his clean-up campaign at age 75, and has been working tirelessly to ensure the garbage-free status of the Skagit Valley ever since.
Through his passion, hard work and dedication, Dave inspired the Friends of the Skagit, which consists of a group of avid nature lovers, who greet and educate Skagit users about keeping the gem in pristine condition during peak times. The fastidious group was formed in 2014 and is still going strong.
After envisioning an awareness about the Skagit Valley for the people of Hope and its tourists, Dave continues with the support of his wife Terry in his efforts to educate and get people involved in the day-to-day maintenance of the valley.
Often funding his own clean-up expeditions, which involve gas, garbage bags, cans and countless hours of his personal time, individuals and businesses have taken note and offered their support.
First Class Waste Disposal, offered free dumping; Hope Machine Shop and Skagit Mechanical offered services for cutting tops of barrels; Emil Anderson Construction, Spectra Energy, Canyon Cable and Sea to Sky Parks Facility Operators, offered garbage bags; Advantage Hope, Canyon Shell and Hope Mountain Centre, offered gas cards.
Dave’s monumental efforts are being recognized by Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning on Saturday, May 30th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. All are welcome to join in on the award presentation at the entrance to the Skagit Valley at the corner of Flood Hope Road and Silver Skagit Road. Complimentary bannock, Hope Nestle water and other goodies will be offered to those in attendance.