2008 Puget Sound Energy Pioneer Awardees
Karen and Ralph Munro
Long-time community ambassadors, Karen and Ralph Munro have demonstrated selfless leadership and vision resulting in long-lasting public benefit. As the 2008 Puget Sound Energy Pioneer Awardees, they personify the true spirit of public service, community partnership and involvement, and have worked to build a better future for others in Thurston County and Washington state.
Karen and Ralph Munro
Their far-reaching community involvement has positioned them as champions of the environment, stewards of the land, preservers of the past and bridge-builders to the future.
Their early leadership in challenging the herding and capturing of Puget Sound orcas ultimately led to a halt of the practice in 1976. They continued their support of marine life through their local involvement with staunch advocacy for the enhancement of sea life in Puget Sound’s waters. The Interpretive Center at Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island was dedicated in Karen's name in 2006. The Munros’ commitment to environmental stewardship has been well documented and is a cornerstone for the attraction of marine mammal researchers from around the world to study orca pods located in South Puget Sound.
Together Karen and Ralph have worked toward the preservation of the culturally significant land of the Eld Inlet. In addition, they contributed to the collaborative program between South Puget Sound Community College and the Squaxin Island Tribe by suggesting and facilitating the donation by PSE of non-treated cedar power poles for the elders to educate younger generations about the art of carving totem poles. The Munros have assured preservation of historical land and artifacts by allowing the collaborative group to conduct archeological digging on their South Sound property, the site of a 700-year-old Squaxin Village. Ralph sits on the board of the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library and Research Center, which houses the discovered items as part of the exhibits and displays depicting the strong connection between the seven inlets of South Puget Sound and the Squaxin Island Tribe.
The Munros’ leading role with the McLane Creek Nature Trail is just another example of how Ralph and Karen extend their love of South Puget Sound throughout the greater community. They led an effort to secure McLane Trail access between Capitol Lake and Capitol Forest, including a trail link extending to the shore of Mud Bay. This extended trail allows for local schoolchildren to get involved with the environment by planting hundreds of trees. Another project led by the Munros is the development of Woodland Trail, a 1.8 mile trail along an abandoned railroad track providing access through an urban forest sanctuary.
In addition to their work with the environment and marine life, Karen and Ralph also are known for their advocacy for the arts and humanities through their involvement and philanthropic support of organizations and educational institutions throughout Western Washington.
Ralph and Karen Munro’s unconditional support of each other’s individual accomplishments is astounding — and a quality that further models the meaning behind the Puget Sound Energy Pioneer Award.
Fact sheet:
2008 Puget Sound Energy Pioneer Awardees (47 KB PDF)
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