By Joan Carter
Special to the Weekly
For one week in June the San Juan Islands National Monument hosts a crew of 12 members of the American Hiking Society, invited here by Bureau of Land Management Outdoor Recreation Planner Nick Teague. Eager registrants are poised at their computers the day the project sign-ups are posted. In just eight hours, this San Juan Islands’ project is already filled.
Called “June Week SWAP” Teague launched the first one in 2006. Local agencies jumped in with him. The formula: introduce the crew to the National Monument and they’ll do whatever is assigned, vary the work, focus their energy and assure them they can – and will – exceed their own expectations.
During the Sunday orientation over dinner: Teague named the tasks and places: San Juan County Land Bank, Washington State Parks, Odlin–host for the camp and Shaw Island.
Monday morning: “You’ve got to be kidding…” Breakfast was hurried. “It’s only 5:40 a.m.! The birds woke us up at 4:30! Don’t they sleep?” On the 6:10 ferry to Shaw, Teague grinned wide at the tender feet about their “tough” wake-up call. By the time Katie MacClane greeted them, they were ready. “Can you cut a trail for me?” They sliced through the thick salal behind the Shaw campground. MacClane got her trail, and the crew got ice cream at the store afterward as promised. An even sweeter treat followed as Parvin Baharloo served up a Persian dinner that evening. This is the hospitality for which Lopez is famous!
Tuesday morning and another “snooze-while-we-cruise ferry” ride before meeting up with the Land Bank’s Doug McCutcheon. Up a rugged road we went to the top of the Mount Grant Preserve. Fanning out, we raked mulch, set in ABS pipe, added to the split-rail fence and decimated noxious weeds. Jennifer McNew, SJI Monument intern, helped the crew in understanding the unique biodiversity all around them.
Wednesday: Odlin Manager David St. George needed help installing a footbridge. And upon completion, the crew swarmed the Dump. “Here’s a mint Mountain Hardwear fleece!” exclaimed a happy camper bagging a bargain!
Thursday: Fisherman’s Spit – more weeds, more fencing, more trimming. SLCLB steward Tim Clark, the dependable Provider of Sweet Treats, fed the hard-working crew. For their contributions to the community, appreciation was extended by Lopezians David and Linda Hudson in their home with a soup supper. A serene walk through the Whispers of Nature Labyrinth followed.
Friday comes too soon. Picking up the crew at the Odlin dock, the ride to Patos Island draws oohs and ahhs. At the beach, the boat drops its ramp and spills people and tools out. Washington State Park rangers Steve Sabine and Rich Doss divide the crew to hack through the overgrowth. Working from both ends, leaves and branches fly. “That’s a mountain of salal,” lamented one. There was a welcome respite at lunch, chatting with Keepers of the Patos Light in the shadow of the historic lighthouse. Gazing at Canada gave us a deepening sense of this magic place.
How does a volunteer leave this unique part of the world? Perhaps in hoping for another visit. Perhaps in lingering at the cheery campfire with newfound friends. Perhaps feasting on the special Mexican dinner made by SJI Monument Director Marcia deChadenedes. On our last evening, she reaffirmed us of her affection for the crew.
Many of the volunteers will be returning as soon as AHS lists the project next November. They know the joy of keeping this special place special.
