Picnic Tours

Following this year’s summer picnic on August 21, the Land Trust is offering eight special field trips. All tours start at 2:30 pm. The tours are free, but space is limited to 15 people per trip, so please RSVP promptly to secure your space. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis via e-mail or phone. Directions to field trip starting points will be distributed at the picnic. Unless noted otherwise, field trips are 1½ hours long.

Trails may have uneven terrain, exposed roots, or downed branches and will involve some degree of physical activity. Wear sturdy shoes.

To reserve your space:
By phone – call 360-222-3310
By email – info@wclt.org

Field Trip Descriptions

Coastal Defense at the Naas Preserve

Leader: Steven Kobylk

Naas Preserve is a quiet nature preserve, but less than 100 years ago it was part of Fort Casey. On this field trip, military historian Steve Kobylk will take you to parts of the preserve that are normally closed to the public to see some of the remaining historic military structures from that era. Learn about fascinating local military history and Fort Casey’s place in that story.

Golden Paintbrush and Prairie Restoration at Naas Preserve

Leader: Cheryl Lowe

The Land Trust’s Naas Preserve is one of the last remaining native prairies on Whidbey Island. For centuries Native Americans managed these prairies for food and medicine. Now the preserve is being managed to protect one of only 12 places in the world where the federally threatened golden paintbrush grows naturally. Botanist and Land Trust Land Steward Cheryl Lowe will show you some of the ethnobotanical treasures on the site and describe what the Land Trust is doing to restore this remnant prairie and ensure survival of the golden paintbrush..

Geology at Ebey’s Bluff

Leader: George Biehl

Who knew that the beauty of Ebey’s Bluff came mostly from the earth’s geological processes? One of our most popular field trips returns this summer as Dr. George Biehl, Skagit Valley Earth Sciences professor, takes a group on one of Whidbey Island’s most scenic hikes. Learn how geological forces sculpted the landscape we enjoy so much today.

Unexpected Agriculture – Conifer Seed Orchards

Leader: Ryan Gordon

A summer drive through Ebey’s Reserve reveals thriving fields of barley, corn, and other well-known agricultural crops. But there’s another far less conventional crop growing in Ebey’s Reserve–conifer seeds. The Land Trust holds conservation easements on the two conifer seed orchards within Ebey’s Reserve. These orchards produce seeds that help reforest thousands of acres throughout the Pacific Northwest. Take a tour through one of these working orchards and learn why central Whidbey Island is such an extraordinary place for growing conifer seeds.

Ebey’s Farmland (family friendly)

Leaders: Mark and Erin Borden

For the past 140 years, farmers have been cultivating the fertile soils located within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Join Mark and Erin Borden, modern-day Reserve farmers on a walk around their farmland. Hear about their experiences managing the land and learn what it’s like to be a farmer today. You’ll see farmland, orchard and forest and learn why these different habitats are all important for our birds of prey. This family friendly tour lasts 45 minutes.

Crockett Lake – Birds, Botany, & More

Leader: Phyllis Kind

Join Land Trust board member Phyllis Kind on this fascinating tour of Crockett Lake, one of the most scenic, diverse and complex landscapes in Ebey’s Reserve. Phyllis, former President of the Whidbey Audubon Society, will explain why the National Audubon Society has designated Crockett Lake an Important Bird Area and will give you tips on when and where to see some of the 238 different bird species that use this area. Phyllis will also share with you some great stories about the area’s colorful local history.

**Please note, because of the area’s size, this tour will involve driving to various points for discussion and observation.

Admiralty Inlet Preserve – Botany in a Coastal, Old-growth Forest

Leader: Mark Sheehan

Take a hike in a spectacular old-growth forest on an Admiralty Inlet bluff with botanist and naturalist Mark Sheehan. Learn about forest ecology, plant adaptations and how to read a forest’s life history by looking around you. Mark will explain why this forest is one of the Land Trust’s highest priorities for protection.

Admiralty Inlet Preserve (family friendly)

Leader: Jessica Larson 

Explore the oldest and gnarliest trees on Whidbey Island up close and personal. Find out what these botanical beauties eat for breakfast and other cool science facts about this rare patch of old-growth coastal forest. This is a ‘hands-on’ tour where you’ll use all five of your senses to experience the wonders of this magnificent place. This family friendly tour lasts 45 minutes.