SJPT’s first-ever volunteer work party at the Reef Island Preserve | Jeff Brennan

As the saying goes, “many hands make light work.” Since 1979, volunteers have been the backbone of our organization, lightening the load of caring for the land that we protect.

This year, more than 150 dedicated volunteers braved weather extremes in each season and across nine islands to donate their most precious resource: time—over 1,000 hours!

Above: Volunteers at a riparian restoration work party in San Juan Valley

We also received many hours of support from other groups, including the 100-plus Western Bluebird Project nest box hosts and monitors who help restore the local bluebird population, students at Spring Street International School on San Juan Island, Scout Troop 4007 in Bellingham, and our 16 incredible board members. All in all, this year has seen extraordinary support from all corners of our community.

The volunteering year officially kicked off with a wintertime tradition, the Annual Swan Count, followed by a work party on San Juan Island where 15 attendees planted nearly 200 trees and shrubs

Spring meant that the volunteer season was in full swing, beginning with events on various islands, including a holly hunt on Shaw Island and a first-ever volunteer work party on Reef Island before traditions like our Bluebird Blitz and the Henry Island Earth Day clean-up took place.

We then hosted summertime work events at the JB Farm Preserve, the Peach Preserve, and the Mud Bay Preserve.

Fall was a busy time, beginning with our Bluebird Project Volunteer Appreciation Party. After that, we finished the year with a pair of Gardening for Butterflies sessions in San Juan Valley, two office-based work parties, an oak maintenance event on Cady Mountain, and a Golden Paintbrush planting event.

Looking back on everything we accomplished together, we’re so grateful to have such a generous and supportive community around us. We cannot say it enough: our work is only possible with you!

Above: Volunteers check on a plant in a protected tube at the JB Farm Preserve

Above: Volunteers work on maintaining cages that protect young oak trees at the Shooting Star Meadows Preserve

Above: Volunteers rejoice after a hard day’s work at the Henry Island Preserve

Thinking about volunteering with the Preservation Trust? Learn about our volunteer opportunities here, or by emailing our Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, Jack (jack@sjpt.org). We hope to see you soon!