The Fidalgo Bay Carstens Conservation Area is located on the west shoreline of Fidalgo Bay. It was donated in 2016 by Barbara and Ron Carstens and Family to Skagit Land Trust for the conservation and preservation of the Fidalgo Bay shoreline. This small parcel contains a mixed ecosystem of upland trees and shrubs as well as  marine foraging and nesting habitats. It is adjacent to other Skagit Land Trust protected shorelines and tidelands. 

 Fidalgo Bay Carstens protects shoreline and forested habitat along Fidalgo Bay. 

Fidalgo Bay is managed as a Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Preserve. Learn more about the Aquatic Preserve here.

Ecology

Fidalgo Bay Carstens Conservation Area contains approximately 1,000 ft. of shoreline along Fidalgo Bay. The forested portion of the site conisists of species such as grand and douglas fir, pacific madrone, and elderberry. The tidal areas and upland forest provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Great blue herons and shorebirds can be found here and the tidal areas provide forage fish habitat. 

  Here the forest meets the bay and creates habitat for a variety of species. 

Stewardship

The stewardship goals for this property are to maintain the conservation values of the beach and upland habitats. This involves the removal of invasive species, including English ivy, butterfly bush, spurge laurel, and Himalayan blackberry.  

 Since receiving this property in 2016 we have removed a ton of English ivy from the property with the help of volunteers, EarthCorps, and Washington Conservation Corps crews. 

Click here to view information about the land stewards for this and other Skagit Land Trust properties.

Access

This site is open to low-impact public use for community enjoyment and is accessed via Fidalgo Bay Rd. Click here for a map . 

Above: Fidalgo Bay Carstens is one of 2 conservation areas managed by Skagit Land Trust near Fidalgo Bay. Map created by Skagit Land Trust staff using NAIP aerial imagery from 2017. Click on the map for a larger image.

Property photos