In light of the political upheaval across the pond, noting appreciation in frog chorus, bird song, and emerging daffodils feels somewhat disrespectful. But it’s not just this winter’s hibernation from which we’re emerging – it’s two years of masked faces and missed celebrations. This year’s awakening carries extra energy and enthusiasm for what comes next, which is good, because we’ve been busy!
Our Coffelt Farm (Orcas) request for proposals is out and we hope that we’re in the last stretch of setting up a long-term lease for the property. It’s been a rocky road to be sure, but “normal” seems to be about to happen there.
As people have flocked to the San Juans and seemingly purchased every piece of ground in sight, we’ve notched a few victories, including the purchase of the last remaining unprotected property on Watmough Bay (Lopez). 
It’s hard to oversell this one. Even though it’s tiny, it’s got almost everything – beaches and rocky shoreline, a historic homestead, and it’s an important site for the Coast Salish, providing the opportunity to honor their history while conserving the place for all of us. There is more in the works, but nothing ready for primetime yet. Stay tuned!
And on that note, be sure to tune in to our Community Conversations in April. Our spring series features three evening Zoom meetings with a focus on the past present and future of stewardship on the Preserves. We hope to have you join us.
Until then, carry on and enjoy what seems now to be an inevitable spring in all its glory. Go outside and relish the sun and the place we get to call home.