Preserves on Lopez and San Juan Islands have been bristling with sounds of swishing branches, gravel hitting shovel, and jovial comradery while our awesome community volunteers (affectionately referred to as Trail Blazers) rolled up their sleeves and helped with trail construction.
Over the months of May and June, two new trail projects evolved at Beaverton Marsh Preserve on San Juan Island: Island Rec, San Juan Island School District and your Conservation Land Bank signed a cooperative agreement for the development and maintenance of a trail that will extend from John O. Linde Community Park to an overlook of Beaverton Marsh. Staff and a robust crew of volunteers kicked off trail construction on our Beaverton Marsh Preserve portion, completing brushing and grubbing the trail route, excavating the tread, and spreading gravel. Work will continue in this section while the Land Bank awaits review of Town of Friday Harbor permits and solicits bids for the portion of trail within the Town. “Phase III,” a pedestrian trail along the uplands above the marsh, was roughed in over the course of two work parties, thanks to staff, Washington Conservation Corps crew, and volunteer Trail Blazers.
Meanwhile, over on Lopez Island, staff hosted two volunteer work parties with the Lopez Community Trail Network (LCTN) at Spencer Spit Preserve. The newer 18.4 acre preserve abuts Spencer Spit State Park, which is where the trailhead for the out and back trail is located. Thanks to their efforts the new .75 mile (roundtrip) trail is just about ready for its public debut.