These smiling faces belong to the 2023 San Juan Island Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) who have been busy helping Land Bank Stewards, map and assess “big and old” trees along the northwest side of Cady Mountain Preserve over the last few weeks.
Scientifically, these surveys help staff quantify casual observations of this relatively remote part of the island’s historical ecology and current ecosystem health; however, the real value in this project is witnessing how inspired a group of young islanders are interpreting and evaluating the history and health of island ecosystems – they’re bringing this skill home and teaching their families and friends to do the same! The reward of engendering a deeper knowledge and stewardship ethic in the community is immeasurable.
Thank you to the San Juan Islands Conservation District for their continued support of island YCC programs!