Bothell resident Maddy Dalgarn wants to make a difference for endangered marine mammals and sea turtles. The University of Washington biology student is participating in a scholarship contest through Dosomething.org to help her in attending the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation in New York. Participants have to collect as many recyclable cans as possible, with the winner receiving $4,000 toward housing for six months in New York.

Dalgarn hopes to work with the foundation to help rehabilitate sea life.

The winter is the busiest time of the year in the Northeast for the Riverhead Foundation, as it helps sea turtles suffering from the cold weather by nursing them back to health. The workers then release the turtles back into the wild during early summer.

While there, Dalgarn would be responsible for the care of all in-house animals and will help with the rescue and release of seals, dolphins and sea turtles.

From a young age Dalgarn has always had a strong passion for the well being of animals. During a family trip to Hawaii, she fell in love with the sea turtles. She visited the Maui Ocean center and learned about their endanger of extinction.

“She wants to bring awareness to the public about how to help and conserve these beautiful creatures,” said Sean McVeigh with Country Village, where Dalgarn works as a barista at the Village Bean.

Dalgarn grew up in Bothell and attended Bothell High School. When she is not studying towards a degree in Biology, she enjoys spending time with her horse or going for long walks with her dogs along the Burke-Gilman trail.

Please drop off any aluminum cans or direct donations at the Village Bean in Country Village by Dec. 12 to support Dalgarn.

For more information about the Riverhead Foundation visit www.riverheadfoundation.org.