Director’s Note | Winter 2023

As the winter chill settles in, nature wraps itself in a blanket of frost, reminding us of the resilience and beauty inherent in our natural world. This season serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of our collective efforts in conservation.

In these quieter months, our work continues. While some may view this time as a lull in nature’s rhythm, for your Conservation Land Bank it’s a period of preparation, reflection, and strategic planning. (If you haven’t taken our strategic plan survey yet – click here to make your voice heard – it closes Jan 6, 2024)

We are proud of our achievements from the past year, from opening a new public preserve on Lopez Island to enhancement and restoration activities to hosting almost 100 community events, as well as another fruitful year collaborating with local conservation corps partners (ICC and YCC) and state (WCC). For a more in depth review of 2023 activities, enjoy our monthly stewardship reports here.

Let us not forget that winter, despite its dormancy, teems with life in subtle ways. Animals adapt to the changing landscape, and dormant plants await the warmth of spring to burst forth anew. Similarly, our conservation efforts, though perhaps less visible, are steadfastly working toward a vibrant and sustainable community.

I urge each one of you to take this time to recharge, to draw inspiration from nature’s quiet resilience, and to envision the impact we can achieve in the new year. Together, let’s continue to nurture a culture of stewardship and innovation that defines our community.