Meet Our Board

We are an active, all-volunteer Board of Directors, dedicated to carrying out the mission of the Friends group to support 7 local State Parks on Whidbey Island. We work closely with State Park staff to identify park needs. Our dedicated volunteer members and partners help get this vital work done, and provide support for park events.

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Margie Parker - President

Margie loves to hike and explore nature, watching for birds, critters, and native plants. Living on Whidbey since 1981, she is thankful for all of our parks and open spaces. After 40 years of caring for children as a pediatric nurse, she enjoys caring for our beautiful State Parks with other volunteers.

Jack Schwab - Vice President

After 30 years in the management consulting industry, Jack spends his time hiking in local, national, and international parks, and volunteering with a variety of organizations in the Whidbey community.

Nancy Zaretzke - Secretary

After moving to Whidbey 20 years ago and walking and hiking many of the beautiful trails in the Whidbey State Parks, Nancy learned of the Friends group and jumped on board! Her favorite trails are the ones in the woods or with a view. So basically, all the State Parks trails are favorites!

Patty Blouin - Treasurer

My grandparents came to the island in 1906 and bought 500 acres to log. Through hard times and illnesses, my grandfather lost the land except for 120 acres. I grew up on the family homestead on South Whidbey and came to love the woods. I graduated from Langley High School and met my husband of 45 years while flagging for the Island County Road Dept. We moved to Central Whidbey in the heart of the Ebey's Historical Reserve and regularly use the trails and parks. When I heard about the Friends of Whidbey State Parks and being passionate about the park systems and the outdoors it was an easy decision to jump in.

Sandy Hunt - Facebook Posts

Sandy loves to walk the park trails with Heidi, her Friendly Golden Retriever.

As a longtime Whidbey resident, she also volunteers for Sound Water Stewards, Island County 4-H, and Girl Scouts.

Brent Lambert - PIP Grant Writer

Brent retired from 40 years in public service in the areas of economic development, community development and cultural resources management. He is a founding board member of FOWSP and a passionate advocate for Whidbey Island’s state parks. Brent is camera shy ~ this is his hiking pal Fiona.

Michael Champion - Website

Michael is a retired software developer who has lived , gardened, and volunteered in Coupeville since 2015. He previously enjoyed worked with natural area stewarship groups in Ann Arbor MI and Woodinville WA, so was excited to join this Friends group a few years ago. His spirit is nurtured by the beauty surrounding us onf Whidbey Island, and is committed to sustaining it for future generations.

Scott Galbreaith - Grant Writer

Photo & Bio Coming Soon