Dear Members and Partners,

At Skagit Land Trust, we are deeply grateful for our volunteers, whose dedication helps us in so many different ways. Among them are our Land Stewards, who commit to assisting in the long-term care of one or more of our conservation areas. These volunteers often form deep connections with the places they watch over.

This year, we are proud to recognize Ron Lindsay and Theresa Connolly (pictured above) with our annual Stewardship Award, which recognized them “for their countless hours committed, in all conditions, actively caring for these and other conservation areas.” As stewards of both Kelly’s Point on Guemes Island and Hurn Field near Concrete, Ron and Theresa take on a significant commitment, managing these lands frequented by both people and wildlife.

Some land stewards transform the places they steward. Green Road Marsh outside of Burlington is a perfect example. What was once a field overrun with reed canary grass is now a thriving forest, thanks to the tireless work of Kurt and Janice Buchanan (below left) and Heidi Nicols (below right) before them.

Over years of effort — supported by SLT, family, friends, and volunteers—they oversaw the planting of more than 2,000 trees and the installation of 20 bird boxes, creating a habitat that will flourish for generations.

Another steward whose legacy will long be remembered is Jim Johnson (below, left), who cared for Cumberland Creek along the Skagit River for nearly 20 years. Jim’s unwavering advocacy led to a significant restoration project in the area.

As Michael Kirshenbaum, our Stewardship Director at the time, recalls: “Jim truly loved every moment he spent at Cumberland Creek. The creek had been rerouted and shortened 80 years ago. For years, Jim persistently suggested restoring the creek to its original channel. I always listened but knew funding would be a challenge. Yet Jim kept the idea alive. Then, when Skagit County and the Army Corps sought a mitigation project, I remembered Jim’s dream and mentioned Cumberland Creek. The idea took hold, and today, that restoration is a reality—all because of Jim’s quiet persistence.”

Jim and Michael, during the Cumberland Creek restoration project.

Jim, who passed away this March, once wrote of this re-connection by quoting John Muir: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” Jim added, “If those ‘hitches’ grow frayed or worn, then mending and reconnecting them is worthwhile work.”

Jim’s legacy is a powerful reminder of how one person’s passion can shape the land and inspire us all. Thank you to every Land Steward—past and present—who dedicates their time, energy, and love to Skagit Land Trust’s conservation areas. Your work is invaluable, and we are honored to share in your journey.