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Conserving wildlife habitat, agricultural and forest lands, scenic open space, wetlands, and shorelines for the benefit of our community and as a legacy for future generations.

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Engaging Future Stewards of These Lands

When kids in our youth programs visit a Trust property for the first time it can be much like Alice Through the Looking Glass. You watch their cautious steps into an unknown environment turn to bold exploration as they run to see what is around the corner of the trail. They are curious to learn more about the world around them.

Through monthly field trips with the Kulshan Creek Neighborhood Youth program, spring visits to our Utopia Conservation Area by Sedro-Woolley second graders, and local high school students using Barney Lake to gather real data for classroom learning, we are working to connect youth with the natural landscape of the Skagit. These experiences build a sense of place for students. They also connect the dots between clean water in the river and clean water at their kitchen sink.

Nature has an extraordinary capacity to recharge us and connect us to a broader world. It reduces stress and anxiety and improves mental and physical health. When students help us plant trees or tug out ivy, the pride in their work shows on their faces. They also develop a sense of responsibility for the care of their environment. We see their gratitude in the thank you cards that arrive after these fieldtrips.

These are just a few of the impressions we get each year. We wanted to share them to thank our members and partners for making these moments in nature possible. You are inspiring the next generation of stewards!

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