Zalesky Classroom Conservation Grants
For Elementary School Teachers
Applications are open October 1 - November 1, 2026
Grants of up to $500 for Snohomish County elementary classrooms
Thanks to a generous gift from Phil and Laura Zalesky, two lifelong educators and conservation leaders, Pilchuck Audubon Society supports teachers who bring conservation and science into their classrooms. Read about the Zaleskys below.
About the grants
Our goal is to help elementary students learn about, and develop a desire to protect, our natural resources. Grants supplement a teacher’s existing curriculum with conservation and science-related activities or materials. Multiple grants of up to $500 are awarded each year, and you may reapply in subsequent years.
Who can apply
Teachers of grades K-6 at public or private schools in Snohomish County
More than one teacher may apply per school
What we fund
Conservation and science-related learning activities and materials that enhance and enrich a classroom program. Funds cannot be used for salaries. Your project must involve all students in the classroom and demonstrate achievable, relevant wildlife and conservation goals.
Past funded projects include:
Fish hatchery field trips
Wetland restoration
Recycling projects
Nature trail building
Guest speakers
Bird study projects
Clean water posters
Accessory nature books
How to apply
Download and complete the application.
Submit it by email by 11:59pm November 1, 2026.
We will notify applicants by December 1.
Grant recipients will be asked to share photos and stories showcasing how their students were impacted by the opportunities provided by the funds.
Questions?
Contact Laurel Cheap at classroom.awards@pilchuckaudubon.org.
Owl pellet dissection. Courtesy Tanya Christian.
“With your donation we were able to purchase owl pellet dissection kits and refresh our binocular supply. One student yelled out, “this is the best day of my life!” Each year is such a gift for our program and without you it would not be the same.”
The Zaleskys
Laura and Phil Zalesky. Photo courtesy of Louise Lindgren.
Phil and Laura Zalesky were luminaries of conservation in western Washington. They fought for the creation of the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area and North Cascades National Park. They were both educators, with a combined 53 years of teaching between them. They also served in leadership roles in several conservation nonprofits. Their legacy lives on through this grant program, and we are honored to be fulfilling their lasting gift to our environment and communities.
The activities listed above are but a small fraction of the lives and contributions of the Zaleskys. For more information about the Zaleskys and their legacy please visit the links below: