Like many of the members and volunteers drawn to the Skagit Land Trust (SLT) community, Phil McCloud has long seen the importance of conserving natural lands and wild areas. When he and his wife moved to Skagit County ten years ago, that focus turned to local action they could take. They became members of the Trust and attended events.

Soon Phil wanted to do more. “Kathy Thornburg helped me find a volunteer job with Skagit Land Trust that suited my talents,” he says. “She got me assigned to the Facilities Committee and it has been a good fit for me.”

Almost immediately, Phil was able to apply his carpentry skills to our buildings and structures because the facilities committee helps keeps SLT’s office in working order. During Phil’s first summer volunteering with the Trust, the facilities committee replaced all the drafty office windows. This was the first big project Phil undertook for SLT, and it was much needed and appreciated by our staff as winter arrived!

Phil also brought with him 35 years of professional experience as an Agricultural Engineer for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a background in large wetland restoration, Phil has seen how restoring and preserving such areas has a positive effect on the environment and surrounding communities around them. This experience has helped him understand and appreciate the Skagit Land Trust’s work.

“I admired the work of SLT from a distance, and getting more involved as a volunteer has deepened my appreciation,” Phil says. “All of the people I’ve met through the Trust, whether staff or volunteers, have been great to work with.” Needless to say, we feel the same way about Phil! We are extremely grateful to him for sharing his skills and experience with the Skagit Land Trust community.

Skagit Land Trust’s community is fueled by volunteers like Phil who bring their knowledge, talents, and time to support local conservation. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? You are always welcome! Volunteering with SLT is a great way to connect with diverse lands and communities across Skagit County. You can visit our website to sign-up for a work party, or contact Stacy Dahl, our Volunteer & Education Programs Coordinator, to see how your skills can be used to further our mission of local conservation: stacyd@skagitlandtrust.org or call 360-428-7878 x212.