Tucked in a far corner of a gently sloping field, a young woman sits on a grey bench.
With her back against a forest, she faces south toward Cultus Bay. Closing her eyes against the bright afternoon sunlight, she enjoys the quiet.
Not long ago portions of this field were buried under the remains of years of indifference. Parts of this historic family farm, long out of production, had become an improvised dump. Invading plants covered cars, furniture, appliances and other trash. Passersby saw deteriorating buildings rising above a tangled mass of tall weeds.
But when the Whidbey Camano Land Trust received this land as a donation from the Al Hammons estate, they organized an impressive cleanup and restoration effort.
Now, just two years later, a peaceful field and beautiful view welcomes visitors.
This was Al Hammons’ dream — a place where people could “rest their souls awhile.”
Making that dream come true, the land trust coordinated dozens of community volunteers who have worked hundreds of hours; removing trash, cutting blackberries, rescuing and spaying abandoned pets, and more. Work party volunteers and a waste-removal business recycled as much as possible and then filled multiple 20-yard dumpsters. Dilapidated buildings were razed and an unlivable house was burned down, providing hands-on training for firefighters. Overgrown plants were mowed and mulched. Beauty replaced jumble and now brings calm.
Living on an island, we know the boundaries of our home. Caring for this home is a core value for many who live here.
Year round, groups organize scores of projects that reclaim and restore the natural landscape of this remarkable place. The Backcountry Horsemen coordinate trail maintenance in the 600-acre Putney Woods. Whidbey Watershed Stewards sponsor native tree and shrub plantings along creeks, interweaving learning about wildlife habitat needs with hands-on work. Annually, Beach Watchers teach hundreds how to respect our delicate coastal environment. Native Plant Stewards and the South Whidbey Tilth conduct regular work parties and educational events for the community. Many other groups also offer satisfying, physical and renewing work.
Side by side, this is our island culture creating an enduring, healthy land legacy.
Want to share in this resurrection-in-process? Join the Whidbey Camano Land Trust on Saturday morning at the Hammons Preserve (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sept. 20) at the intersection of Cultus Bay and Possession Roads.
Help land trust steward Cheryl Lowe (Cheryl@wclt.org) prepare the site for native plants (cedar, Douglas fir, alder, serviceberry) that the Whidbey Watershed Stewards are donating.
Later that same afternoon, go to the Whidbey Watershed Stewards’ Outdoor Classroom and help dedicate the new viewing platform.
Every week, you can read announcements in this paper about work parties on the land and choose the ones that call to you.
Learn more about land conservation. Visit the Whidbey Camano Land Trust’s Web site at www.wclt.org or give us a call at 222-3310. This is our community at work, creating an enduring land legacy for all.
Elizabeth Guss is director of development and outreach for the Whidbey Camano Land Trust
