It’s February and our hearts are full! Whether you’ve helped us acquire a treasured preserve, joined or renewed as a member, or have simply enjoyed hiking the trails on lands that we protect, we are grateful for you! We hope you’ll enjoy this special Valentine’s Day message that we created with you in our hearts and minds.

Our lineup of 2023 events got off to a flying start with the Annual Swan Count in January (see story below). Up next: not one but two Gardening for Butterflies sessions on St. Patrick's Day, followed by a variety of volunteer work parties, informative field classes, and guided tours from spring through fall. See the current lineup here. Several spring outings are also listed in the Events section below.

Capacity is limited for several events, so register soon if you're interested!

We'll be adding to the list as the year unfolds, so watch for updates. We can't wait to see you in person again out on the land!

On January 20, 51 volunteer swan counters woke up to a springlike day of sun and calm weather as they prepared to search for trumpeter and tundra swans on six islands in San Juan County, as part of Washington’s statewide annual wintering swan count. See the results, and check out some of the beautiful images submitted in our Annual Swan Count Photo Contest.

The Preservation Trust's Forty-fourth Annual Meeting will take place virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, May 18 at 5:00pm. Join us online as we review SJPT's accomplishments during the past year, thanks to your amazing participation and support. Our featured speaker will give a presentation on aspects of past, present, and future Coast Salish connections to the islands. Look for more details in next month's eNews!

Meanwhile, reserve your virtual seat by signing up here.

Help us seed host plants in SJPT's Island Marble Butterfly habitat plots on San Juan Island. (Session 1 of 2)

Help us seed host plants in SJPT's Island Marble Butterfly habitat plots on San Juan Island. (Session 2 of 2)

Join us as we hunt for and remove invasive holly plants around the Ellis Preserve on Shaw Island.

Meet at Red Mill Farm, receive a territory assignment, then go spot and count Western Bluebirds. (1 of 2)

On the same day as our first Blitz, come to Red Mill Farm for an evening of Q&A for all new and current Western Bluebird project volunteers.

Discover a variety of common mosses and learn about their unique characteristics and ecological role.

A "romantic" pair of trumpeters send a heart-shaped Valentine's message with their graceful curves. Ben Floyd submitted this photo for the 2023 Annual Swan Count Photo Contest (see story above).