Why Not Try New Scenery on National Trails Day?

The ‘magic’ meadow at lovely Del Fairfax Preserve. A walking trail takes visitors through the woods, then around this meadow. Del Fairfax Preserve, near Oak Harbor, is a wonderful place for a short hike any time of year but is particularly vibrant in the spring. Photo by Lorna Aites.

It’s been a busy year of trail building for the Land Trust in 2019. With some very dedicated volunteers leading the way, we’ve tackled trail construction projects in Central and South Whidbey this spring and have another lined up in North Whidbey soon. It’s thrilling for all of us to provide more opportunities for the public to actively enjoy the outdoors on our beautiful islands, take in some fresh air, and connect with nature.

Deer are regular attractions at Admiralty Inlet Preserve near Coupeville as this one was last week.

Stay tuned to hear more updates about when these new trails will be formally opening.

Trails are a timely subject. The first Saturday in June each year is designated National Trails Day. The event was created in 1993 by the American Hiking Society as a day to enjoy trails, help maintain them, and become engaged in trail issues. Walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, or other trail users are encouraged to try a new trail on this day. This is also a great time to sign up for future volunteer opportunities to help take care of these trails. Our work parties are lots of fun!

In the spirit of this national trails holiday, we recommend three beautiful preserves protected by the Land Trust as places to consider enjoying a new trail experience. Click on the links and learn more about these special places, plus view the trail map for more specifics:

• Admiralty Inlet Preserve, near Coupeville. Bald eagles and deer are regular attractions on a relatively easy hike through mature forest and along a native prairie. Trail Map.
• Del Fairfax Preserve, near Oak Harbor. A short hike on mostly even terrain through a forest and into a beautiful “magic” meadow. Great for families with small children. Trail Map.
• Trillium Community Forest, near Freeland. A wonderful time of year to enjoy this 721-acre forested preserve. The best entry point is the trailhead located off Smugglers Cove Road, one of three trailheads, however be prepared to tackle some elevation gain to get up the ridge. Keep a trail map handy! Trail Map.

If you’re looking for an opportunity on Camano Island, it’s a great time to explore the trails at newly opened Barnum Point County Park. We’ll have a trail map ready for this incredible park on our website soon.

If you’re interested in a guided hike, join Land Trust board member Janet Hall on June 8 for a one-hour trek through Trillium Community Forest. On this hike, which starts at 10 a.m., you will learn about the preservation and restoration efforts that have taken place in this incredible and important forest ecosystem.

This hike is limited to 20 people (no dogs please). Email wclttours@gmail.com and include the names and number of people in your party. Once you are registered, you will be emailed directions to the location.

Happy trails!

A nurse log at Trillium Community Forest near Freeland. Photo by Dave Schoen.