Help expand the Guemes Mountain Conservation Area and care for natural lands across Guemes Island!

Fall 2015 Campaign Update: Thanks to 100+ community donors, Skagit Land Trust added 9.5 acres of forest to the Guemes Mountain Conservation Area on November 19 forever preserving a spectacular view and vital wildlife habitat. Funds are still neeed for land stewardship, which helsp to care for the popular mountain trail and ensure the sustainability of protected natural lands today and into the future. Read the Guemes Forever update press release.

Skagit Land Trust launched the Guemes Forever campaign to expand conservation of Guemes Island’s most valued natural assets – marine shoreline, forests, farmland, wetlands and public trails and nature areas. We have an immediate opportunity to expand the Guemes Mountain Conservation Area and are working with volunteers and landowners to preserve and steward exceptional island places for all generations.

We must raise $150,000 for Skagit Land Trust’s Guemes Island Fund in 2015 to accomplish several immediate conservation goals:

• Expand conservation atop Guemes Mountain by 9.5 acresto forever preserve an expansive view and wildlife habitat. We must commit to buy this land by September 30 or it could be developed. This beautiful mature forest is in the north view corridor and provides sheltered wildlife habitat and connectivity.
• With the help of volunteers, take care of local Trust conservation areas and a new conservation easement property. Maintain the popular Guemes Mountain Trail and steward natural shorelines, forests, and wildlife habitat. Maintaining a busy trail with the help of volunteers requires ongoing maintenance and improvements, from tread work to drainage fixes, to the installation of benches, signs, and trail markers. In addition to trail maintenance, the Trust cares for natural areas by removing invasive weeds, planting native trees and shrubs, and regularly monitoring each property to ensure wildlife and plants thrive. Stewardship in partnership with Conservation Easement property landowners involves annual monitoring visits and assisting landowners with habitat projects to sustain the abundant natural values of their land.
• In partnership with island landowners, identify opportunities to conserve important shoreline, forest, farms, and wetlands. Skagit Land Trust's new Conservation Strategy uses science and local knowledge to identify and save the most important places in Skagit County for our community today and for future generations.

Community support is vital for lasting conservation – can you help? Donations made by September 30 will be matched with $50,000 in challenge funds!

Make an online donation to the Guemes Island Fund.