Each year, Deception Pass Park Foundation works with Deception Pass State Park to identify places and projects where DPPF’s effective mix of private philanthropy, volunteerism, and strong partnerships will most benefit the park’s critical needs.
Through volunteer mobilization, grants, donations, and advocacy we accomplish a lot.
Maintaining Education and Interpretation
In 2010, the park’s Interpretive Specialist was lost due to State Parks budget cuts. This left the park without any staff dedicated to educational work. The Foundation believes that interpretation and environmental education are among the most important functions of any park. Hundreds of school children visit Deception Pass (and especially the Rosario Beach Tide Pools) on field trips each year, and the park’s annual visitation rate is nearly two million. Education and interpretation allow the natural and cultural wonders of this unique and special place to be shared with park visitors.
In order to ensure that these activities continue at Deception Pass, the Foundation hired an Interpretive Intern for the summer of 2011. In the fall of 2011, the Foundation provided funds to the Washington Service Corps to bring an AmeriCorp member to perform interpretive duties at the park. This was a 10 month position and it has been renewed every year since then.
The AmeriCorp Program at Deception Pass has become one of the Foundation’s most successful investments yet. Each new AmeriCorp member brings a unique skill set with them, whether it is a passion to restore historic buildings, educate children at the tide pools, or a background in environmental interpretation. These members helped to build our original website, opened new interpretive centers, sworn in thousands of Junior Rangers, and produced a quality interpretive program for the Summer season. The educational program at Deception Pass would be nearly nonexistent without these AmeriCorp members and we are utterly grateful for their service. We hope they leave after their term with new skills, an impressive resume, and a continued love for resource protection through education.
Beach Naturalist Program
The Rosario Beach Naturalist Program began as a collaboration between Deception Pass State Park and WSU Beach Watchers. The Beach Naturalist program is designed to promote interpretation and conservation at Rosario tide pools and beaches in our area. Volunteers are trained in several topics so that they can interact with park visitors and school groups at the Rosario Tide Pools.
Construction and Renovation Projects
Several historic renovations have been possible because of the Deception Pass Park Foundation, as well as construction of new buildings like the Amphitheater at North Beach.
