Whidbey Audubon Society has announced the recipients of its first annual conservation scholarships.

Ben Saari of Langley won the top scholarship for his project of designing and maintaining a wildlife corridor in the Maxwelton Valley.

Saari plans to attend the University of Washington in the fall.

Due to the excellent applications received, the society decided to fund a second scholarship, which went to Tyler King of Coupeville for his senior project of restoration work at Pacific Rim Institute. King will also attend the University of Washington.

Money for the scholarships were available thanks to the donations of local Audubon members and contributions from the public to the Whidbey Audubon Birdathon held each May.