Dee Arntz

Dee Arntz’s longtime passion for environmental protection began in earnest when she and her husband Bill moved to Seattle in 1987. As a volunteer for the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Audubon, she became fascinated by wetlands and their role in environmental protection. So fascinated, in fact that she earned a certificate in Wetlands and Science Management from the University of Washington and co-founded the Washington Wetlands Network, a program that has served as a model nationwide and deserves a huge amount of credit for bringing the importance of wetlands into public consciousness.

“Wetlands are really a flashpoint. They are where life begins. And they bring together so many different people   scientists, federal and local governments, activists.”

Dee joined the Washington Environmental Council Board in the 1990s, volunteering on the Development Committee and participating in the organization’s first long-term strategic plan. She and her husband remain two of our most loyal friends and supporters, always present at our events and willing to spread the word about WEC.

“I give to WEC because they are a great leader in the movement. They are inclusive and incredibly effective. The legislature looks to WEC for leadership, clarity, and organization. They get the job done!”

It’s an appreciation that goes both ways. WEC Executive Director Joan Crooks says, “Dee is just delightful – so smart and passionate about this work. It’s an inspiration.”

Dee is currently working on a book entitled: The Great Women of the Environmental Movement which features passages on Joan Thomas, past president and one of WEC’s founders, and current Executive Director Joan Crooks.