Act for the Earth! 10 Things You Can Do to Help the Environment

Brittany, our stewardship assistant, surveys the Land Trust’s Elger Bay Estuary on Camano Island this week. This estuary is important habitat for young salmon and other fish and wildlife. Photo by Janett Wingett.

April 22 is Earth Day, a time when we marvel at the spectacular beauty and nature of Whidbey and Camano Islands. Plants bursting into color. Birdsong in the trees. And water sparkling in the sunlight.

Like you, our staff at the Land Trust love this corner of the earth. We take to heart the awesome responsibility of preserving and caring for the lands that are vital to our daily lives.

This work is only possible because of Land Trust donors who support what we do; and our dedicated volunteers, who generously give their time.

Thanks to these partners, we’re able to save and maintain natural areas that reward us with a host of benefits, including cleaner air, improved water quality and climate change mitigation. Benefits that also contribute to improving the environmental health of the entire Puget Sound region.

Earth Day reminds us we are all connected. It’s the heart of what we do — caring for lands that make everyone’s life fuller, happier, healthier. For us, every day feels like Earth Day.

Please join us in this quest. Check out our list of 10 things you can do on Earth Day or any day to help the planet:

1. Plant a Tree

Trees help the planet by removing carbon from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen. Pick a native species that will have a better chance at thriving. Find a native evergreen.

2. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

All play a part in keeping waste out of landfills. Try a reusable tote when making a quick stop to the grocery store. Or drink from a reusable container each day. Ways to reduce waste.

3. Volunteer

Sign up for a work party at a Land Trust preserve or become trained and adopt your own site by becoming a site steward. Ways you can help.

Volunteers Bob and Sue Payton, left,  join staff member Taylor at Glendale Beach. Photo by Colleen Skinner.

4. Bike to work

The days are getting warmer. Try cycling once a week or even once a month. It all counts and helps reduce emissions. Remember to cycle safely.

5. Leave a snag for wildlife

When a storm damages a tree, instead of cutting down a tree at the base, consider keeping part of the trunk standing. It can become a food source and home for a multitude of insects, woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds. Why wildlife love snags.

6. Stay on the trails

Stick to established trails while out adventuring. This helps protect native plants from being trampled. Also brush off your hiking boots before you enter a natural area to prevent the spread of invasive species. Follow these rules.

7. Choose native plants

They provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, including pollinating insects. View an extensive native plant list. Take a few additional steps and turn your yard into a certified wildlife habitat.

8. Bus to a preserve

Consider taking an Island Transit bus to visit the Land Trust’s Trillium Community Forest and other places to connect with nature. See special places where the bus can take you.

9. Pick up litter

Every little bit helps. Participate in a beach litter cleanup. More tips.

10. Support your local land trust

If you’re not already a Whidbey Camano Land Trust member, become one and help us preserve the open spaces and wild places you love on the islands. Make a difference today.