October 2023 eNews

The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank, our partners in acquiring the North Shore property on Orcas Island for conservation, have been making good progress toward preparing the property for eventual public access—most recently with the removal of decrepit structures and septic systems (see photos below).

The progress is great to see, but much remains to be done. The Preservation Trust is still $360,000 shy of achieving the $3.7 million goal needed to fully finance and permanently protect the property, for now and generations to come.

We invite you to partner with us in completing the permanent protection of this 58-acre property with its 1,800-foot stretch of habitat-rich shoreline.

Last month, the Preservation Trust announced it earned renewed accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. It was recognized for its achievement at Rally, the Land Trust Alliance's annual conference, held this year in Portland, OR. SJPT originally earned the "Accredited" seal of land trust excellence in 2012 and renewed for the first time in 2017. ...

The seventeenth(!) year of the San Juan Islands Western Bluebird Project was as busy as ever, with a few notable narratives happening over the course of the year. As we’ve reached the end of the 2023 field season, here’s a recap of what we found ...

Shawn Behling, a biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), presented a lecture titled "Leave it to Beavers: The Science of Making of a Wetland" at the public libraries on San Juan and Orcas islands last month. Both audiences appreciated her animated delivery and fascinating facts she presented on the history and ecology of Castor canadensis, as well as a description of WDFW's beaver relocation program. Click "Learn more" to see a video of Shawn's talk, recorded at the San Juan Island Library.

We are currently seeking candidates for two full-time positions: Philanthropy Associate and Operations Specialist. If you or someone you know might be interested, please see the job descriptions (click "Learn more") and pass along the news about these opportunities.

Join Conservation Land Bank staff for a guided tour of the North Shore Preserve, which consists of 58 acres with 1,800 feet of spectacular shoreline on Orcas Island. 

Take an autumn tour of the newest preserve on Orcas Island before it officially opens to the public, led by San Juan County Conservation Land Bank staff.

Join us as we put plants in the ground that will (fingers crossed!) provide food and habitat for next year's batch of Island Marble Butterflies. First of two sessions on the same day.

Join us as we put plants in the ground that will (fingers crossed!) provide food and habitat for next year's batch of Island Marble Butterflies. Second of two sessions on the same day.

Volunteer alongside San Juan County Conservation Land Bank and San Juan Preservation Trust staff at the Turtleback Mountain Preserve. Part of a new SJPT-Land Bank collaborative event series.