Land Trust passport to fun
Art celebrates conservation Artist Richard Smith paints in plein air at English Boom on Camano Island. Artists from across Washington will be painting on lands protected forever by community action and the Whidbey Camano Land Trust between June 13 and July 17. Their works will be entered into a juried competition and will be available for viewing and purchase at a garden party on Sun., July 19, 3 - 6 p.m., at Four Springs Preserve, 585 Lewis Lane, Camano Island. Tickets may be purchased at Gallery By the Bay in Stanwood, 8700 271st Street NW, or by phone at 360-222-3310. The Whidbey Camano Land Trust turns 25 years old this year, and the public is invited to join the celebration by participating in a "passport" program that offers a chance to win an all-day cruise along the coasts of Whidbey and Camano islands.
During its quarter-century history, the Land Trust has protected thousands of acres of forest, farmlands and seashore on Whidbey and Camano. The passport program will give the public a chance to visit some of these protected areas and work with Land Trust staff and volunteers on conservation projects.
The passport includes nine activities for which participants can earn "visa" stamps. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for the cruise. Four winners, each of whom may bring a guest, will take the scenic trip with scientists, who will share information and insights about the islands, the water and wildlife.
More details about the passport program and other pick-up locations are available on the Land Trust Web site, www.wclt. org/news/passport.
The Land Trust also has scheduled several summer community events:
• Conifer seed orchard tour, located off of Parker Road in Coupeville, Fri., June 19, 5:30-7 p.m., and Sat., June 20, 10-11:30 a.m. This tour will demonstrate how one of Washington's few seed orchards plays an important role in reforesting land and reveal facts behind conifer seed production. All participants will receive a free tree.
• Guided walk at Harry's Forest Forever, located off Lone Lake Road in Langley, Sat., July 25, 1- 3 p.m.
Harry Case's 176-acre South Whidbey forest was protected by the Land Trust last December. Harry's grandson, Shawn Connor, who grew up playing and working in this forest and is passionate about sustainable forest management, will guide this tour through the forest and share his knowledge.
Those interested in attending a land tour should sign up in advance by calling (360) 222- 3310 or emailing info@wclt.org. Details regarding directions and meeting information will be provided after registering.
• Plein Air Art Invitational: "Plein air" is a French expression used to describe the act of painting outdoors. From June 13 to July 17, artists from around the state will be doing just that on lands protected by community action and the Land Trust. The public is invited to watch some of the artists at work in the Dugualla Bay neighborhood, north of Oak Harbor 4 to 6 p.m., Sun., June 28, and take a gentle guided walk along the bay and learn more about the natural surroundings.
Works completed by the artists will be entered in a juried competition and will be available for viewing and purchase at a garden party at Four Springs Lake Preserve on Camano Island Sun., July 19. An admission will be charged.
Artists interested in participating in the invitational competition will find more information and registration forms at www.wclt. org/news/plienair.
