Drone Image of the West Side of San Juan Island. Aerial view of Haro Strait from the top of Mount Ben West. Gorgeous sunny day, water view, the future of Mount Ben West 30 acre San Juan Preservation Trust Preserve

Mt. Ben West Preserve

Protecting the Future Mt. Ben West Preserve

đź“ŤSan Juan Island

The San Juan Preservation Trust (SJPT) is thrilled to announce a major new conservation effort on the west side of San Juan Island: the future Mt. Ben West Preserve. This 30-acre property offers sweeping views of Haro Strait, with critical Garry oak habitat, rocky balds, veteran Douglas firs, and the opportunity for future public trail access. It also presents a once-in-a-generation chance to connect neighboring nature preserves, linking existing habitat and public trail corridors.

Preserve Size: 30 Acres

Conservation Features:

Forests

Wildlife Networks

Community Access

Keystone Species

Climate Resilience

A Critical Link for San Juan Island Conservation

“The Mt. Ben West Preserve has been a conservation and public access priority for the Preservation Trust for more than 20 years.”

— VICKIE EDWARDS, SJPT’s Conservation Director

“The Mt. Ben West Preserve has been a conservation and public access priority for the Preservation Trust for more than 20 years,” says Vickie Edwards, SJPT’s Conservation Director.

“It’s a critical piece of the puzzle in linking existing San Juan County Conservation Land Bank and SJPT preserves, providing the opportunity to create a continuous public trail from the shores of San Juan Island to the top of Mt. Ben.” 

Vickie Edwards the San Juan Preservation Trust's Conservation Director is standing next to an old growth fir in the forested area of Mt Ben West Preserve
People Hiking the Future Mount Ben West on the Westside of San Juan Island

Your Gift Goes Twice as Far!

The Preservation Trust has entered into a purchase agreement with private landowners who are seeking a conservation outcome. To complete the acquisition, we must raise $1.76 million before the scheduled closing of March 31, 2026. 

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, every contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $750,000 through February 9, 2026. This means your support today will have double the impact on a landscape that benefits wildlife, vital island habitat, public trail access, and future generations.

A Preserve for Wildlife, A Preserve for People

Protecting this land is an investment in our community and the future of the San Juan Islands.

As with other Preservation Trust public access projects, the Mt. Ben West Preserve will provide:

Recreation, Education, and Research:
The preserve will eventually be open to residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Hands-On Learning:
Opportunities for local students and youth through SJPT’s Learning Landscapes program.

Habitat Restoration:
Through partnerships with the Youth Conservation Corps and Islands Conservation Corps, local students and youth will help enhance, restore, and manage critical habitats alongside our expert stewardship team.

Two hikers next to a giant majestic Garry Oak tree on the future Mt Ben West preserve property on the Westside of San Juan Island.

Join us in securing the Mt. Ben West Preserve!

This is a rare chance to protect an iconic landscape and connect a vital corridor of conserved land. Together, we can secure this Preserve forever, enhance its Garry oak and madrone habitat, and create lasting trail access for people of all ages to enjoy. 

Every contribution moves us closer to this goal. With the matching gift in place, your donation today will go twice as far. Join us!Â