STORIES FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORSMay 18, 2019

2

The RoseA poem by Theodore Roethke

There are those to whom place is unimportant,But this place, where sea and fresh water meet,Is important–Where the hawks sway out into the wind,Without a single wingbeat,And the eagles sail low over the fir trees,And the gulls cry against the crowsIn the curved harbors,And the tide rises up against the grassNibbled by sheep and rabbits.

A time for watching the tide,For the heron’s hieratic fishing,For the sleepy cries of the towhee,The morning birds gone, the twittering finches,But still the flash of the kingfisher, the wingbeat of the scoter,The sun a ball of fire coming down over the water,The last geese crossing against the reflected afterlight,The moon retreating into a vague cloud-shapeTo the cries of the owl, the eerie whooper.The old log subsides with the lessening waves,And there is silence.

I sway outside myselfInto the darkening currents,Into the small spillage of driftwood,The waters swirling past the tiny headlands.Was it here I wore a crown of birds for a momentWhile on a far point of the rocksThe light heightened,And below, in a mist out of nowhere,The first rain gathered?

This is the first stanza from Roethke’s ‘The Rose’, from his collection ‘North American Sequence’. Theodore Roethke is regarded as one of the most accom-plished and influential American poets of his generation and is associated with Northwest poets. His work is characterized by its introspection, rhythm and natural imagery. Roethke taught at University of Washington and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1954 for his book The Waking. Thank you Lis Fritzberg for suggesting this poem for our program.

3

Welcome to Whatcom Land Trust ‘Stories from the Great Outdoors’

Benefit Dinner5:00 pm

Cocktail hourComplimentary wine, beer & soft drinks

Music by The Thomas Harris Trio

6:10 pmGuests are seated • Welcome

Rich Bowers, Executive DirectorLynne Givler, Whatcom Land Trust Board Secretary

6:35 pmDinner is served

Fill out Dessert Dash bid cards

7:10 pmLive auction

7:40 pmGuest speakerDr Robin Kodner

The Living Snow Project, Associate Professor of Biology, WWUIntroduction by Chris Moench, Whatcom Land Trust Board President

Celebrating Stewardship Film

8:00 pmRaise the paddle • Dessert dash

Auction continues • Raffle

8:45 pmThank you and good night!

Doug Starcher, Master of CeremoniesManca Valum, Auctioneer

4

Thank You Spring Benefit Sponsors

TABLE HOSTSColleen BaldwinLynn & Fred BermanSue Blackadar & Steve WalkerRich BowersDelia & Pete BrandsPippin Christiansen & Dave BrownJill ClarkLoch Clark & Jenny ShulerCourtney & Matt Conner

Solvei MetcalfDanne NeillCarl PrinceCarol & Don SalisburySue & Dave SharpeKaren & Bruce TeperHall & Amber WalkerChris WebbJennifer & Damien WrightBarbara Young

Dennis & Terry ConnerLiz & Gabe EppersonLis & Alan FritzbergLynne Givler & Keith CarpenterJenny Hahn & Chris MoenchDana & Rand & JackTisch & Dave LynchJenn & Jordan MackeyAmanda McKay

GOLD

BRONZE

BUSINESSSUPPORTERS

�mer��an ����ne Ins� tuteHarmony Motorworks

5

STEWARD STORIES MAPLE CREEK REACHMaple Reach Creek is returning to its former glory as a forested wetland and meandering marsh drainage. Reforestation plantings have progressively spread thanks to restoration started by the Lummi Nation 20 years ago. I love the ebb and flow of the seasons: When will the salmon return?

What are the beaver up to? Has Maple Creek gone dry at the highway? What I DO know is that bears will be bears. On an amusing occasion a bear had gotten into someone’s storage of dried beans and chowed down. As I walked back along the meadow, evidence of the bear’s inability to digest the beans was testified to about eight times. Maybe he should have first consulted with Goldilocks?

Dave ChurchMaple Creek Reach volunteer land steward since 2013

ITEM 12 NIGHT STAY AT PLEASANT BAY LOOKOUTNestled in a forest overlooking the Salish Sea, the Pleasant Bay Lookout’s stunning beauty and simplicity have been showcased widely across print and social media. The Lookout is a simple, 121-square foot room with handcrafted amenities, recliner, modern sofa that converts to a bed, glass walls with a breathtaking view, and a deck to experience the sounds of nature. It’s a 30-second walk to the bathroom in the house, which is open 24/7 for your use. An outdoor hot tub tucked in amongst the trees. A $125 gift certificate to the Oyster Bar completes this breaktaking Chuckanut stay.

Thanks to: Peter & Aimee Frazier, The Oyster BarValue: $405Details: 2 consecutive weeknights between October 1 & April 1

6

ITEM 23 Day Avalanche Course

Learn how to stay safe in the backcountry! The American Alpine Institute will provide students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize exposure to risk in avalanche terrain. The first day of this three-day program is in a classroom in a nearby city or town followed by two days in the field.

Thanks to: American Alpine InstituteValue: $425Details: JANUARY - MARCH 2020

ITEM 3Winter Raptor Tour For 8

Join world renowned raptor biologist Bud Anderson on a winter raptor field trip in Skagit County, one of the supreme

regions in North America to view raptors. Bud travels the world studying raptors, most recently in Mongolia procuring DNA from the red-naped shaheen. Thousands of people have taken Bud’s five-week raptor class and most come away saying, “the field trip alone was worth the price of the whole class”. Avid birders and novices alike won’t want to miss this unique experience!

Thanks to: Bud AndersonValue: $900Details: Between December 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020, by arrangement with Bud

7

Enjoy a guided hike through the Land Trust’s Canyon Lake Old Growth Community Forest, one of the oldest stands of native forest in the Pacific Northwest, containing mountain hemlock and yellow cedar trees over 1,000 years old. Whatcom Land Trust founder and board member, Rand Jack, who negotiated the acquisition of this ancient forest, will lead the hike. Master trail builder, Russ Pfeiffer-Hoyt, who constructed the trail to maximize the hiker’s experience through the woods, will join Rand to lead a full-day tour, which begins at the 45-acre lake and culminates with expansive views of Mount Baker and the Twin Sisters. (10 miles RT)

ITEM 5 3 Night Stay at Oyster Beach House for 6Nestled on Westcott Bay, steps away from your own private beach and miles of well-marked trails in the National Park and Roche Harbor trail systems, is this beautiful Northwest home, built of primarily selectively harvested wood from the property. Spacious gourmet kitchen is furnished with all you need to enjoy meals with family and friends, dining with gorgeous views of the sunset and water. 3 bedrooms (1 king, 1 queen, 2 twin), 2 baths with rain shower & soaker tub. Finish your day on the lovely cedar deck as you enjoy an outdoor barbecue. The seabirds and wildlife will be sure to ease you into the relaxing island lifestyle. High speed internet, good cell phone reception. Gift basket of San Juan Island specialties.

Thanks To: Cheryl & Tom ThorntonValue: $1,500Details: 3 consecutive nights Nov 1, 2019 thru Mar 1, 2020

ITEM 4Canyon Lake Guided Tour For 8

Thanks to: Rand Jack, Russ Pfeiffer-HoytValue: $125 Per Person, sold by individual ticketDetails: Confirmed Date of September 7, 2019 (rain date Sept 14)

8

Chris created the ceramic vessel and Rand carved the maple burl Water Ouzel that serves as a handle for the vessel’s lid. Their collaboration was in honor of Whatcom Land Trust’s successful purchase of 1,400 acres of the Skookum Creek watershed. The vessel depicts the life cycle of the American Dipper or Water Ouzel, a wren-like bird that lives along cold, clean, rushing rivers and streams throughout western North America, including Skookum Creek. The ‘Dipper’, so named for its knee bends while standing still, feeds on insects, small fish and fish eggs by plunging into streams headfirst, propelling itself through the water with its wings. It often walks or runs along the streambed while submersed. To be streamlined when walking upstream underwater their eyes are widely spaced resulting in poor stereo vision. To compensate, “dipping” gives them two views, which their eyes combine to better judge distance. Chris’s Axis of Hope Prayer Wheels offer a moving touchstone for reflection on the passions, memories and hopes we care about most deeply. The prayer wheels are simple - a ceramic or bronze vessel mounted securely atop a high quality metal turntable. The surface of the vessel features illustrations drawn from humanity’s collective mythology, nature’s ancient cycles and the experiences of the artist or those commissioning a work. The vessel’s interior can be filled over time with written hopes and blessings. It is through the contribution of such writings that the sculpture becomes a truly collaborative work between the artist and those interacting with the vessel. As each note is added the prayer wheel becomes a tangible symbol of the connections that bond us to one-another and to the natural world.

Thanks to: Chris Moench & Rand JackValue: Priceless

ITEM 6Water Ouzels of Skookum Creek Prayer Wheel

9

J. Bruce Smith was a longtime Whatcom Land Trust board member and supporter; it would be hard to overstate his contributions of time and energy to our mission. He provided countless hours of legal advice and was instrumental in many significant projects, including the Nesset Farm and Clark’s Point. His integrity, sound judgement and thoughtful counsel were invaluable assets to the organization and to all who knew him.

Bruce was also an avid outdoorsman, with canoeing among his favorite pursuits. In recent years he often could be seen paddling in Bellingham Bay, with ‘Molly the Dog’ standing proudly in his bow taking her role as ballast seriously. Tonight you have an opportunity to further Bruce’s legacy with the purchase of his solo canoe, just one of his cherished three-boat fleet.

This canoe is the Clipper-brand Tripper “S” Ultralight Kevlar. Weighing just over 50 pounds and 16’6” in length, it is light, swift and tracks well. With two sliding seats and a carrying yoke, it is designed to be easily enjoyed by one or two people. Or by a paddler and a faithful canine companion seeking solace and strength in nature.

Thanks to: Janice KellerValue: Priceless

Fish Fiesta! Dine al fresco at the Kleinsted Acre. Your hosts, Bob and Cindy Klein and Fred and Lynn Berman will provide fish tacos with all the fixin’s; guacamole and chips, fresh salsa, libations, dessert and music by Keith Carpenter and Lynne Givler. Buen Provecho!

Thanks to: Lynn & Fred Berman, Cindy & Bob KleinValue: $1,300Details: August 16, 17, 23 or 24, 2019, by arrangement with hosts

ITEM 8Fish Taco Fiesta for 8

ITEM 7Bruce’s Beloved Canoe

10

Your vision of a healthy, vibrant, prosperous Whatcom County protects and conserves the beautiful, special places we love and share, now and forever. We invite you to raise your paddle generously at one of the levels below to support Whatcom Land Trust’s core mission to protect, preserve and care for Whatcom’s special places. Your gift tonight will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a cohort of generous benefactors.

$5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $50

PADDLE RAISE

ITEM 9Wild Nooksack River Ride For 4 Take a trip down the crown jewel of the North Cascades: the North Fork of the Nooksack River. One of

only two rivers in Washington that is spawning grounds for all five species of native salmon, this river is born at the base of the White Salmon Glacier. Rated as a Class III river (on a scale from 1-5), the Nooksack is always exciting! End the day at Brandywine Kitchen with a $80 gift card toward delicious food and drinks.Thanks to: Wild & Scenic River Tours, Brandywine KitchenValue: $480

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE LIVING SNOW PROJECTThe Living Snow Project is documenting the biodiversity of alpine snow with the help of local community volunteers who love the mountains and help us collect

samples while they are traveling in snowy alpine ecosystems. One of its goals is to engage the outdoor recreation community in research that is helping us understand the biology of pink snow and its impact on snowmelt dynamics. Learn more at: kodnerlab.wordpress.com/citizen-science/

11

ITEM 10Snowy Owl Behind A Snowbank

Snowy Owls are at home in the Arctic, nesting on small mounds in the flat treeless tundra. Ninety percent of their meals are lemming, a small rodent. A single owl will eat as many as 1,600 lemmings a year. Occasionally these owls come south to winter in Whatcom County, and every once in a while, a rare explosion of snowy owls will bring several hundred to southern British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest for the winter. As sea levels rise in the Arctic, lemming will not be able to keep their heads above water. What will happen to the Snowy Owls then? I carved ‘The Snowy Owl Behind A Snowbank’ from a giant Butternut tree growing in the Geneva neighborhood of Bellingham. The snowbank is the natural white of the outside of a Butternut tree just under the bark. Usually this area is smooth, though in parts of this giant tree it was lumpy, making for a fine snowbank. I tried to convince the owner of this heritage tree to save it, to build his house around it, but was unsuccessful. And so, I was able to carve this Butternut snowy owl sitting behind a Butternut snowbank. When the tree was cut about 20 years ago, an elderly neighbor told me that her great grandfather had come west and planted the tree exactly one hundred years ago. I love birds and wood. Carving wooden birds is a great way to reproduce bird forms and display wood. The grace and smooth curves of birds accentuate the figure, grain, color and texture of the wood. Bird carving is also a nice way for me to find meditative space in my life.

Thanks to: Rand JackValue: Priceless

12

STEWARD STORIES: KELSEY RESERVEEvery time I visit the Kelsey property, at least part of the time I just listen: birdsong, insects, wind, or the sound of gunshots from Lake Terrell in the fall. The deer know that Kelsey is a safe haven from the shooting. They are undisturbed by our presence. I grumble about this since the deer treat native plants installed to shade out the blackberry and reed canary grass as their

buffet. Butler Creek bisects Kelsey, Five years ago a beaver gave building a dam there a try. I was disappointed when the first beaver only stayed a season because this short creek went dry as it does most summers. Last fall a new dam appeared. It is larger and holds more water, substantially changing the site, creating new channels and providing habitat for other species.This spring we created a beaver buffet with willows and other treats, and scent mounds appeared to indicate to young interlopers that this pond is taken. We’ll know if the beaver will stick around to enjoy the buffet if there is still water behind the dam in August when drowsy bee drones is the sound I will hear when I pause to listen.

Janet MurrayKelsey Reserve volunteer land steward since 2013

STEWARD STORIES: SOUTH FORK NOOKSACKA most amazing thing about Riverstead is the pink salmon run. I saw it in September 2015 and 2017 and am looking forward to it again this fall. There is a long steep riffle at a gravel bar where the fish have to run the fast, shallow water with their backs exposed, working hard. They congregate at the

bottom of the riffle. Suddenly, they flash through then relax into their usual long-distance swim routine in the deeper water above the riffle. The pinks can be seen in the thousands all the way up the South Fork through Port Blakely into Edfro Creek, a most amazing and wonderful sight.

Kim ClarkRiverstead, Port Blakely & Christy Creek VLS since 2013

13

Enjoy the Garden Island of Kauai for three nights in the Anahola home of John and Marcia Harter. With views of the ocean and the mountains, your private suite includes a master bedroom, bath with indoor and outdoor shower, study, and upstairs and downstairs lanai.

Anahola is on the east side of Kauai, five minutes from two swimming beaches, thirty minutes from Hanalei to the north and 45 minutes from Poipu on the south. Good restaurants nearby in Kapa’a and Kilauea. Hiking, biking, and walking on the coastal path are all accessible from this quiet rural part of the island.

Four acres of this sixteen-acre property have been designated an albatross habitat as part of efforts by the Kauai Albatross Network to secure more high elevation nesting sites safe from rising seas. Although there has not been a nesting pair at the site in the six years of the project, visitations by non-mated adults have been increasing each year. The Harters welcome their guests during non-mated albatross courtship period which occurs mainly from January through March.

ITEM 113 Night B&B on Kauai Albatross Preserve for 2

Thanks to: Marcia & John Harter, breakfast includedValue: $1,200Details: January 1 - March 1, 2020, by arrangements with hosts

14

Honu’, a 1989 fully refurbished Westfalia Vanagon and not your ‘Parent’s Westy’, is ready to hit the open road for your 6-night glamping adventure. Fully decked-out with an automatic transmission, comfy interior, electric fridge and great sound system, she’s best suited for one couple or one couple with one or two children. Share the Westy love by combining your trip with a vying bidder on a second van, ‘Van Gogh’ (sporting a manual transmission), to double your fun and vacation memories!

ITEM 13Chuckanut Westfalia Glamping Adventure

Thanks to: Chuckanut Westfalias, Maureen & Bob Jorgenson, REIValue: $1,200 EachDetails: Travel limited to 125 miles/Day. Dates arranged with Hosts

Share the joys and challenges of Whatcom County’s diverse farm community. You and your guests will travel by chauffeured van across the north and central county to learn more about our rich agricultural heritage and current practices. Fred Berman, long time local food advocate, organic farmer, farm to table restaurateur, and WA State Dpt of Agriculture Small Farm Direct Marketing Coordinator, will lead you on a ‘back door’ journey to a mid-sized dairy & creamery (Twin Brook Creamery); state of the art dairy manure treatment facility (Edaleen/Regenis); a berry grower/processor (Mountain View Berries); a heritage bred pastured pig producer (Alluvial); a mentor farmer (Broadleaf Farms); & a direct-market-Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farmer (Cedarville Farm). Boxed lunch provided.

ITEM 12Insider’s Tour of Whatcom County Farms for 10

Thanks to: Fred Berman, Farms listed Above, Diehl FordValue: $2,000Details: Mid July to Mid August, 2019, by arrangements with host

15

Spend two nights enjoying this tidy, little craftsman home set on 2 wooded acres in the foothills area of Whatcom County. Just a short walk to the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River, this long weekend away is a gem in all seasons.

ITEM 152 Night Cozy Mount Baker Foothills Stay for 4

Spring is the perfect time to go visit a gem of the San Juan Islands – the Nature Conservancy’s 11-acre Yellow Island Preserve. You and nine guests will learn about the natural and cultural history from TNC Naturalist Matt Axling while enjoying an easy hike through trails flanked by wildflowers and stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Round-trip charter boat from Orcas Island ferry landing and lunch included.

ITEM 14Yellow Island Wildflower Adventurefor 10

Thanks to: The Nature Conservancy, Ken & Mariann Carrasco, Old World DeliValue: $125 per person, sold by individual ticketDetails: confirmed date of May 1, 2020 (rain date TBD)

Thanks to: Louise Granger & Leaf SchumannValue: $360Details: Dates TBD, to be arranged with Hosts

16

ITEM 16Chocolate Tasting With A Sunset for 8Ever wonder what it takes to make a superb, silky, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate with beautiful flavor notes that stay with you long after your bite is finished? Or what the difference is between a chocolate from Madagascar or Venezuela is? Or what to look for in a healthy chocolate? There’s so much to

learn about how to find your favorite! Come try some of the world’s best high-end chocolates in the comfortable setting of our home in the heart of the Clark’s Point, Land Trust-protected property here in Bellingham. After you’ve tasted and learned all you can, join us for some homemade salmon chowder with homemade sourdough bread and a glass of wine overlooking the water! Thanks to: Sue SharpeValue: $600Details: Date TBD, by arrangement with host

ITEM 17Mallard Ice Cream Tasting for 20Ever wanted to be a kid in an ice cream shop? Here’s your chance! This is not just any ice cream. This is Bellingham’s own Mallard ice cream. Owner Ben Scholtz will guide you in a private tasting of all your

favorites plus many you never could have dreamed up. Enjoy them all in the beautiful dining space of Ciao Thyme.

Thanks to: Mallard Ice Cream, Ciao ThymeValue: $800Details: Date TBD, by arrangement with hosts

17

STEWARD STORIES: SAMISH RIVER COMPLEX

I have spent many hours of my life here at Samish and am about to again as the tadpole season ramps up. With my chest waders on I have walked from Doran Road down to the Wickersham Bridge in the wetlands. Besides the frogs and salamanders, I love all the bird life that use this wetland. There is an active eagle nest so always lots of eagle

activity. Always lots of geese to be seen in the fields while driving down Highway 9. At the south end there’s a healthy population of red-winged blackbirds. I love their call and the flash of the red on the male’s wings. During frog survey season I like to stand at the south pond and just listen to the birds and look at the Twin Sisters. Stunning and beautiful!

Monique Brewer Samish River Complex volunteer land steward since 2013

STEWARD STORIES: LAKE WHATCOM WATERSHEDI love being a steward because it gives me a reason to get out on our properties and discover their wonders – the views, the birds, fish, wildlife and quiet, as well as helping to prevent inappropriate behavior. I always have a wonderful feeling when I visit Ladies of the Lake, surrounded by the mountains and Lake Whatcom. One afternoon I was hiking

and came to the edge of the large field in the middle of Ladies of the Lake. I quickly stopped when I noticed three coyotes romping, playing and feeding in the middle of the field. They went on like this for more than 15 minutes, unaware that I was watching them before meandering off into the woods.

Steven Harper Ladies of the Lake volunteer land steward since 2013

18

Sue BlackadarClaudia CallahanPippin ChristiansenPatrice ClarkCommunity Food CoopCourtney ConnerCatherine Lowell

Magdalena’sMoceri ConstructionElla MoenchMary MortonCarl PrinceSue SayeghHilde Schaaf

Phyllis SelfCallie & Crissy SharpeSue SharpeSweet BellinghamKaren TeperSid WintersBarbara Young

THANK YOU DESSERT DASH DONORS

THANK YOU RAFFLE ITEM DONORSIndependent Financial Group, LLC

Tim M Fisher, Register Representative

Julie Leuthold

Scott Mauermann - Sir Cedric’s Cedar Treehouse

19

Chris Moench - PresidentLynn Berman - Vice PresidentLynne Givler - SecretaryJennifer Wright - TreasurerDave BrownLoch ClarkSteve HollenhorstRand JackDanne NeillJohn D’OnofrioCarl PrinceHall WalkerChris Webb

Rich BowersChris BrewerJill ClarkDennis ConnerGabe EppersonJenn MackeyAmanda McKaySolvei MetcalfTed MorrisKaren ParkerZiko Quintana*Rose Richardson**Karen Teper

Lynn BermanSue BlackadarChris BrewerJill ClarkCourtney ConnerDennis ConnerJenn Mason, Event CoordinatorTed MorrisSue SharpeBarbara Young

Frances BarbagalloKathy BastowJackie BrownKim ClarkinCarolina ColemanJeanie DoddAlex FrederickSteve LarsenKristin LeeJulie LonnemanKatie MorrisSusan MarshallAndra NordinCheryl OlsonMichael PieroniTonnie PontowMary RawlingsCaty StrongMegan Swanland

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EVENTCOMMITTEE

STAFF VOLUNTEERS

* Student Interns ** WA Conservation Corps Individual Placement