North Shore Preserve (Glenwood Inn Property)

12/23 Update
The Conservation Land Bank has made significant progress towards opening the property, but much work remains. To date, we have removed 10 buildings, thousands of feet of defunct fencing, and many loads of trash. Other recent accomplishments include stabilization of the beach access road and installation of an automated entry gate and new water and power lines. Major tasks remaining include the planting of roughly 13,000 native trees and shrubs, wetland restoration, construction of a parking lot, and establishment of trails. Staff lead regular public tours that will continue until the preserve is opened in late 2024. . To sign up for one our regularly scheduled tours click here. And please check our events calendar for volunteer opportunities at the property. 

Overview
The people of San Juan County through the Conservation Land Bank and in partnership with the San Juan Preservation Trust (SJPT) acquired the 58-acre Glenwood Inn property on the north shore of Orcas Island in mid-2022. The $6.35 million dollar purchase was made possible by a 1% Real Estate Excise Tax, which is paid by those purchasing land in San Juan County, and by funds being raised by SJPT. Click here to learn more about SJPT’s fundraising campaign.

Significance
The property is located within one of the County’s highest priority regions for salmon recovery. Its vital nearshore environment features mature forest, wetlands, 1,800 feet of shoreline, and a half-acre of tidelands that support eelgrass and forage fish. This preserve will be managed as a public natural area that provides low-intensity recreational access via forest and beach trails.

Public Access
Except during regular tours, the property remains closed to the public while preparations for future public access continue. We are grateful for all the community support, and we ask for your continued cooperation (and patience) as we transition into ownership. Please note that the beaches to the east and west are private, and there is no overland access to Point Doughty.

Planning Process
Long-term protection of the County’s ecological, cultural, and historic resources, and preparation for safe, public access is a complex process. Permitting, contracting and project implementation could take up to three years. The timeline below provides a general overview of our anticipated process. To view the restoration design plan click here. For the concept plan click here.

Conservation Land Bank staff prepared an Interim Stewardship and Management Plan in early 2023. During this interim period, there will be extensive removal of existing infrastructure, construction of new infrastructure and grading. We also anticipate planting thousands of native trees and shrubs and removing invasive species. To learn more about the archaeology and infrastructure click here.

We will update this webpage periodically about public tours and the timeline for opening. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please call 360-378-4402 or email sjclandbank@sjclandbank.org.