Island Dispatch | April 2015
MOUNT GRANT
An Extraordinary Nature Preserve in the Making
Robert Hare Stavers
Orcas Island has the expansive profile of Turtleback Mountain Preserve and its miles of trails. Lopez Island has the stunning shoreline of Watmough Bight. Both preserves provide public access for recreational purposes. The San Juan Preservation Trust worked in collaboration with the San Juan County Land Bank to spearhead these projects. It was these island communities, however, that made the creation of both preserves possible, with their enthusiasm, sweat equity and financial support. These places are among the most highly-valued gems that residents enjoy and proudly share with visitors.
SJPT ARCHIVE
CRAIG ROMANO TO SPEAK AT ANNUAL MEETING & LUNCHEON
We’re pleased to welcome Craig Romano as our guest speaker at our 2015 Annual Member Meeting. Author of “Day Hiking the San Juan and Gulf Islands” and several other regional hiking guides, Craig will share photos and stories about the wonderful diversity of hiking opportunities in the islands. He is an avid hiker, runner, paddler, and cyclist, and has written about these passions for over two dozen publications. “The outdoors is my calling! I have traveled extensively, from Alaska to Argentina, Sicily to South Korea, seeking wild and spectacular landscapes. I rank Washington State among the most beautiful places on the planet,” says Craig.
Join us on May 9 at the San Juan Island Yacht Club, just a short walk from the ferry landing. Over a sumptuous meal, you’ll hear updates on exciting Preservation Trust projects underway. Following the luncheon there will be an optional, naturalist-led hike on Mount Grant Preserve. All are welcome!
Please RSVP by mailing a check for $20 per person to PO Box 759, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
Saturday, May 9
San Juan Island Yacht Club 273
Front Street, Friday Harbor
Luncheon: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Hike 1:30 – 3:30 pm
COUNTING OUR LUCKY STARS
The San Juan Preservation Trust is lucky to have Alice Hurd on our board of trustees. Although, with her modest demeanor, she will deflect any praises sung about her, Alice has proven to be invaluable. As current Vice President, she asks the tough questions and has served tirelessly on ad hoc committees with challenging tasks, such as national accreditation and reviewing governance issues.
Having grown up in the Chicago area, Alice moved to Portland, OR, to attend college and ended up settling there where she and her late husband, Jim, raised their two sons. Alice moved to San Juan Island full-time in 2003. As a hiking enthusiast, Alice has been active on the San Juan Island Trails Committee and recently hiked in the Lake District in England. “I initially became involved with the Preservation Trust because I wanted to see open spaces preserved here as much as possible. I like that the mission of the Preservation Trust is clear and concise, and our conservation work includes all of the islands.”
Alice is currently a member of the Steering Committee for the Campaign to Save Mount Grant. “It’s a unique project that connects a large parcel to other conservation land to provide trails and protect wildlife habitat. An exciting, worthwhile venture,” says Alice.
