Written by Thyatira Thompson, Vendovi Island Caretaker
When I first crossed Bellingham Bay in 2016, I was taken aback by the beauty of the Salish Sea. As a Louisiana bayou native, I didn’t even know Washington had islands, but traveling to Vendovi Island Preserve that day on a 32-foot Nordic Tug named Florian—with my now-wife Elaina sitting confidently at the helm—completely transformed my life. But before we even touched land, my eyes were drawn to the massive breakwater sheltering the island’s north cove. It was our entryway to a new life; seven months later, Elaina and I became Vendovi’s official caretakers.
Since 2017, this island has been our home. We’ve learned quickly that out here in the Salish Sea, you respect the elements. When 30-knot northern blows bring punishing three-foot seas, that same breakwater is Vendovi’s front line of defense. It protects the beach, the dock, and the vibrant marine life thriving in the quiet cove behind it.
But today, our breakwater is in need of major repairs.
When the San Juan Preservation Trust acquired the island in 2010, we were advised that the breakwater had about 10 years left in its lifespan. It has now bravely stood for 15, but nature is undefeated, and the signs of compromise are clear. We are now seeing “scalloping” effects along the outer wall as you arrive to the island, and with it, a tragic 86% decline in our beloved Pigeon Guillemot population as their rocky nesting crevices are collapsing. The aging structure is also becoming a safety hazard for visitors. I often have to tell boaters, “We don’t have many rules here, but staying off of that breakwater is a must!”
The time to repair the breakwater is now. The Preservation Trust is committed to acting before these structural issues worsen, ensuring the preserve remains safely open to the public while protecting the cove that so many species depend on.
How You Can Help:
The Preservation Trust is seeking to raise $374,000 in private contributions, which will help us fund the estimated $748,000 total cost of repair. Crews will begin restoration work this September.
As you consider making a donation toward its repair, I ask you to look closely at what you are saving. The breakwater has transformed an exposed, punishing beach into a sheltered cove where nesting guillemots, jellyfish, Purple Martins traveling from the Amazon, seals, eagles, ravens, otters, herons, and a pesky kingfisher who uses our boat as a perch have all made their home.
Beyond protecting this vibrant cove, the breakwater shields the dock that welcomes more than 2,500 visitors each year. Your support ensures that Vendovi remains one of the Preservation Trust’s most beloved and accessible public preserves, even without ferry service.
