Back to Blog

Winnie Wins a Finnie!

OPALCO Board Member Winnie Adams Honored with Environmental Stewardship Award

On Earth Day, OPALCO Board Member Winnie Adams was honored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans with a “Finnie” award for her commitment to environmental stewardship. According to the Stewardship Network, “Winnie Adams is considered a champion of local, sustainable power sources among other accomplishments. A retired environmental educator from the Yosemite Institute, she continues to serve the Orcas community as a board member for the OPALCO Cooperative.”

Winnie was instrumental in founding OPALCO’s M.O.R.E. (Member Owned Renewable Energy) Program and member committee, providing incentives for co-op members who produce renewable power at home, and advocates for local distributed power as an important resource for the future sustainability of the islands.

“Winnie is very deserving of this award,” said Foster Hildreth, OPALCO General Manager. “She is a tireless evangelist for energy efficiency, electric vehicles and conservation, staffing Energy Fairs, Pie Socials and Tea Talks to energize OPALCO’s membership into action.”

Since 2008, Good Steward Awards have been sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans in honor of individuals, families, teachers, students and businesses that have demonstrated conservation ethics benefiting our entire island community. Each winner is presented with a “Finnie” award—a glazed ceramic salmon crafted by Crow Valley Pottery.

You may also like...

online survey

Survey Results Are In!

OPALCO has been engaging the co-op membership in the realities facing the energy world. Things are changing due to climate impacts, carbon reduction legislation, and the transition to renewable energy. … Read more
kid turning off the lightswitch before leaving the house.

Conservation and Efficiency

Play your part in the energy future of the islands Orcas Power & Light Cooperative is navigating today’s challenging and evolving energy landscape while also planning for our shared energy … Read more
opalco members at 2025 Annual Member Festival.

OPALCO Board Nominations are OPEN!

It’s a pivotal time for the energy world, with important issues to tackle that will shape our communities for years to come It’s that time of year when Orcas Power … Read more