Introducing New Executive Director and Board Officers
Coupeville, WA— August 6, 2025 — The Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship (PRI) is pleased to share important updates regarding its leadership and ongoing efforts to safeguard its unique native habitat. "Preserving and enhancing the endangered Northwest native prairie remains a central focus at PRI," said Jim Peskuric, recently elected Chair of the Board. As part of this continued commitment, we warmly welcome our new Executive Director, Murietta Mitschak. Murietta joined PRI in April 2025 and brings a strong background in organizational development, event planning, and fundraising to help support our mission moving forward.
Protecting the Land
Pacific Rim Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the rare native plant species on its 175-acre property, which has survived development, farming, and grazing since the arrival of European immigrants in the 1850s. "We are proud of our prairie remnant and have contacted the Whidbey Camano Land Trust to establish a conservation easement on approximately 140 acres of the property," said Peskuric. Kurt Schlimme, Conservation Director for the Land Trust, added, "The Land Trust is excited about the possibility of protecting the PRI property, a long-standing community asset and conservation priority."
Murietta Mitschak expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I am honored to join PRI and contribute to the preservation of this unique and precious habitat. Our efforts will ensure that future generations can experience and learn from this rare native prairie."
Pacific Rim Institute Requests Your Support
Pacific Rim Institute is funded by Federal, State, and Foundation grants, as well as private donations. With recent cuts in federal and state spending, we are seeking new and existing donors to join us with donations or volunteer their time to help us continue to recover and protect our native habitats. Support Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship to help ecosystem conservation efforts. Learn more about PRI’s mission by viewing these videos.
