Roebuck Conservation Easement

Orcas Island

Seven acres of wooded hillside near the village of Eastsound was preserved in 2000 with a conservation easement donated to the Preservation Trust by Mary Roebuck.  Mary and her late husband Carl spent many years visiting family and friends on Orcas before making their home on the island after retirement.  Their work as archaeologists took them throughout the world, but it was the islands that brought them back to stay.

Sloping south from the ridge behind View Haven to Orcas Island Road, the Roebuck property is primarily mixed forest dominated by Douglas fir and interspersed with Bigleaf maple and madrone. Tucked into a one-acre clearing the house, garden and orchard exit in quiet seclusion.  Under the terms of the easement, the other six acres of the land will remain natural and undisturbed as wildlife habitat, protected watershed, and scenic open space.

Mary’s intention was to honor Carl by preserving the natural features of the land they cared for and enjoyed.  Her gift of a conservation easement has ensured a beautiful and lasting tribute.