Jagels Preserve

Orcas Island

Truly, a little can mean a lot:  owners of smaller parcels of land in the San Juan Islands can make a lasting contribution to preserving our island’s character.  Gifts of “neighborhood lands” (a number of smaller parcels, when joined together, that can create a larger conserved area with more value to wildlife) are a  great  way to help preserve the rural and natural character of a residential neighborhood.  This was certainly the case in Ray and Elaine Jagels’ neighborhood of View Haven, located on the hillside above the village of Eastsound.

“We are delighted that this family has made a commitment to help preserve the open and natural character of their neighborhood,” noted Steve Braun, the Preservation Trust’s board president at the time. “This is an excellent example of how the Trust can work with owners of smaller parcels to help preserve the natural character of the San Juan Islands.  There appears to be a growing homeowner interest in preserving the natural surrounding around existing homes by reducing density in established neighborhoods and encouraging the presence of wildlife through habitat protection.”