“Hope is a verb with its shirtsleeves rolled up,” is a quote I have been ruminating on from an environmental thinker I admire, David Orr. In times like these, this sentiment resonates deeply. Turning hope into local action has never been more urgent, and here in the San Juan Islands, the ability to effect meaningful change is right at our fingertips.

At the Preservation Trust, we are rooted in the belief that local conservation, supported by a committed community, is the key to lasting impact. By protecting land, restoring habitats, and advocating for sustainable practices, we’re creating a future that will secure our region’s unique biodiversity and vital ecosystems for generations to come.

This year, we’re excited to offer even more opportunities for you to engage with and contribute to island conservation and stewardship efforts. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our work, our 2025 events offer something for everyone—a chance to connect with the lands we protect, to learn from science-based professionals, and to meet with others and build upon common ground. From guided hikes to volunteer habitat restoration projects, we have many ways to get involved, learn, and take action.

Across the country, land trusts have conserved over 61 million acres of private land— augmenting our public partners’ work. When you support the San Juan Preservation Trust, you’re not just preserving local landscapes. You’re helping to strengthen a national network of permanently protected lands and contributing to global efforts to support climate solutions, improve soil health, and ensure access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, and natural areas. Our well-managed lands also preserve vital habitat for wildlife and plants, creating a ripple effect that benefits both our local environment and all interconnected biological communities.

As funding and resources become more uncertain for our public partners, we are stepping up to assist where possible, the island way. We honor the dedication of our federal partners at the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and remain committed to collaborating with them on integrated conservation management and planning.

Make no mistake, the challenges in our broader political and environmental landscape are immense. But together, we can make a tangible, local impact that will reverberate across the region. Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, and every conservation project completed makes a difference.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our work. Your support, time, and energy help to ensure that the natural systems we depend on will remain protected in perpetuity. We look forward to seeing you out on the land this year, where we will celebrate our shared commitment to conservation and stewardship.

Together, we are making a difference.

Angela Anderson, Executive Director