In 2006, the Estate of Al Hammons donated a 9.5 acre farm to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. In accordance with Al’s wishes as the donor of the property, the Hammons Preserve is to be protected as a sanctuary where people can enjoy the views, wildlife and quiet tranquility. But before his dream can become reality, a transformation must occur.

Several dilapidated structures have to be removed to make the property safe for public use. But the thought of those rustic building materials being added to the land fill caused the Land Trust to seek alternatives to traditional demolition.

The RE Store, out of Bellingham, was hired to “deconstruct” the buildings. The process of “deconstruction” -- combining machine demolition with hand-salvaging --  accomplishes the Land Trust’s goal of removing the dilapidated buildings while, recycling up to 95% of the building materials.

Additionally, Island County Fire District No. 3 will burn one of the buildings as a training exercise for volunteer firefighters. Jon Beck, Deputy Chief of Training & Operations Officer, said “these types of controlled burns are essential to the training of the firefighters who protect our community”.  Prior to the burn the RE Store and Land Trust volunteers removed salvageable items from the building.

There are five phases to the Hammons Preserve project. The Land Trust is now in Phase #2.

• Phase #1:   Acquisition.  Completed! Thanks to more than 50 donors and Al Hammons, the Land Trust now owns the property. 
• Phase #2:  Make sure the property is safe and that attractive nuisances are removed. 
• Phase #3:  Develop a site management plan. The Land Trust will be asking for input during this phase.
• Phase #4:  Raise the remaining funds needed to implement the site plan, restore the native vegetation and wetland habitats, and ensure funds for ongoing stewardship.
• Phase #5:  Open the site to the public for passive, low-impact use. The Land Trust will throw a celebration and ribbon cutting at this point. We hope this will occur this summer.