We are fortunate to have so much volunteer spirit in this community. We love to highlight our volunteers, and yet we can hardly keep up with all their cumulative efforts. Among our most dedicated are our commissioners, and we recently welcomed some new: Mike Pickett was appointed to represent District 1. We’re excited to have his experience in farming and land-use planning, as well as his emphasis on neighborly kindness.
Mike and his partner Kathleen operate a farm on San Juan Island. They raise cattle and egg-layers and grow produce. They’re members of the Island Grown Farmer’s Cooperative. And, like many farmers, they love to grow their own food and to share it with others; their love their animals and their tractor; and they’re somewhat strategic about when they invite family to visit. 
Mike’s commitment to making positive, meaningful contributions started with the agriculture community. He purchased a farm on San Juan Island shortly after moving here in 2002. He fell in love with the soil and the sea, and he began to work with others to improve the local ag economy. He served on the Board of the Agricultural Guild and as a commissioner on the County’s Agricultural Resources Committee. During his tenure, Mike participated extensively in protecting and re-purposing Brickworks, the historic brick factory in Friday Harbor that is now a community hub.
These activities expanded Mike’s desire, and he became interested in protecting the islands’ rural character.
“I moved from an urban area, and I found that living in a rural community was a way for me to become more accountable to myself and to my neighbors” he said.
He joined the County’s Planning Commission. For six years he advised on local zoning laws. Then, his interests evolved once again. He wanted to focus his efforts on preserving the unique and unsurpassed beauty of the islands, on assuring that current and future generations have a healthy environment, access to clean water and local food, and experience a culture of kindness.
“The Land Bank is perfectly situated to make broad contributions to the community,” Mike said.
He is looking forward to his new position. After participating in several meetings, he says he’s impressed with the current Land Bank Commission and the quality of “their commitment to a clean, safe and ecologically sound area.”
This year Mike is also excited about hosting a family reunion. All seven grandchildren are coming to the island. They might drop some crab pots. But they’ll definitely, according to Mike, be out on the farm and “wearing their hard hats.”
Are you interested in volunteering for the Conservation Land Bank? We have opportunities across the archipelago. Contact Tanja Williamson at tanjaw@sjclandbank.org!