Dear Members and Partners:

Nature offers us lessons in collaboration and interconnectedness. The work we do together to leave a legacy of a healthy, connected environment remains vital. We are continuing to do that work, but like most organizations, Skagit Land Trust is altering our daily routines due to the need for a strong community COVID-19 response. The health and safety of our volunteers, members, supporters, staff and partners is paramount, as is the public health of our communities, particularly those most vulnerable to this illness.

We are canceling all public events through the month of April.

Our office in Mount Vernon will be closed to the general public until at least April 30th. However, we will be continuing our work. Staff members will be working remotely or will be in the field. Mail will be processed. If you would like to make a donation online (www.skagitlandtrust.org), our site is up and running. If you have a question or are working on a project with any of us, please keep in touch by email or phone. This is a great time to think big and generate new ideas for the future as well as continue our many projects. Please see the staff contact information on our staff page.

Each day that unfolds is new, however one thing we know is that the beautiful properties you helped save will bring great joy and solace for years to come. As state and local protocols allow it, you may want to take a walk on one of the land trust properties. If you visit our properties in the upcoming weeks, please follow appropriate guidelines for protecting yourself and others. It is easy to give each more than six feet space on all of our trails.

This may also be a great time to work on those invasive species on your own or a neighboring property! Regina Wandler, our Stewardship Director, has provided these links for you:

• The WA State Noxious Weed Control Board: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/
• Request a packet of a pollinator friendly native seed mix to plant at home for free! https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/bee-u-tify
• An excellent site for species ID and control methods: https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds.aspx
• Skagit County's noxious weed list: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/NoxiousWeeds/weedlist.htm

We may finally make a dent in English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry! We’d love to see pictures of your work, feel free to send them to us directly or post them on our Instagram or Facebook page.

We are all in this together. During this time, we realize even more vividly how interconnected the world, and our community, is. We promise to keep you updated and we hope you will update us or reach out to ask a question or make a comment. We all look forward to being with you again, in person. We wish you and your family good health.

With gratitude for our community and the land,

Molly Doran
Executive Director
Skagit Land Trust

Jim Glackin
Board President
Skagit Land Trust