Island Dispatch | October 2015
OUT & ABOUT
The morning was quiet, with a hint of autumn in the air. We launched our kayaks from the docks at Orcas Island’s Deer Harbor Marina and paddled toward two smaller neighboring islands — McConnell and Crane islands. As we dipped our paddles in the water, a curious harbor seal surfaced to watch our colorful flotilla. We spotted a group of marbled murrelets, who quickly dove underwater as we came close. Soon the sun burned away the morning clouds and a perfect day unfolded as we approached the Wasp Island group. We explored an historic farm on Crane and a paddled past a nine-acre preserve on McConnell. Both of these properties are permanently protected by the Preservation Trust. Neither is open for public visitation without permission.
SJPT ARCHIVE
WHY MEMBERS MATTER
“What is a member and how do I become one?” We are often asked this question and the answer is a simple one. A member
is anyone who gives a contribution of any amount to the San Juan Preservation Trust on an annual basis. Our suggested donation starts at $25 for an individual and $50 for a family.
Why become a member? The rewards of membership are numerous. You will receive priority registration on popular San Juan Preservation Trust outings, a mailing of our monthly Island Dispatch to keep you informed, as well as announcements about other Preservation Trust sponsored events ranging from volunteer opportunities to lectures or even an occasional nighttime star-gazing party.
And last, but certainly not least, we rely on our membership dollars for critical operational funds. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that the funds raised during our annual membership drive literally keep the lights on in our office. Your dollars allow our efficient staff of eight professionals to carry on the important work that you care about—saving the scenic places in the San Juan Islands for future generations to enjoy.
Please watch for our annual appeal in the mail this fall and contribute generously with a tax deductible gift!
JOIN OUR TEAM
The San Juan Preservation Trust has recently launched a search for a dynamic person to join our team. The Assistant Director – a newly-created position– will support our Executive Director by managing day-to-day administrative operations of the organization.
“Our talented, hardworking staff is small, yet it accomplishes an impressive amount of land conservation each year,”remarks Keith Gerrard, board president of the Preservation Trust. “But along with the growth of our network of protected land, the demands on our staff have also grown. With the new Assistant Director in place to oversee the organization’s operations, Executive Director Tim Seifert will be able to devote more attention to strategies that will prepare the Preservation Trust for the coming decades.”
The Assistant Director will oversee the organization’s administrative activities including budgeting, planning, engagement of our board and staff, committee coordination, and overall organizational effectiveness. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of postgraduate experience in the non-profit or for-profit sectors. A Master’s degree in business administration, non-profit management or a related field is preferred.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for the right person – an energetic, highly-motivated individual,” says Seifert. “We hope that our members and colleagues will help us spread the word about this new position.”
