Odlin South is getting a little help from some island friends.

A benefit to raise funds and awareness for the land adjacent to Odlin Park on Lopez (known locally as Odlin South) is scheduled for Dec. 14. The event will be at Lopez Center, starting at 5 p.m.

Odlin South is on the north end of Lopez Island, nestled between Odlin Park and private land.

It is organizers’ intention to purchase the land from the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) with private and public monies for public, non-motorized recreational use and habitat preservation. This land is particularly important to the natural health of the island due to the significant watershed functions of the class two wetlands that run through it, as well as the aspen groves. These flat, silty wetlands slowly cleanse drainage that runs northwesterly toward Odlin Park and its eventual reunion with the marine environment. It also provides habitat for ecologically significant plant and animal species.

Local artists Debbie Collins, Rita Elliott, Danah Feldman, Ginny Furmanski, Linda Lee Hudson, Linda Koenig, Christa Malay, Aurore Maren, Joe Niederman, Ron Norman, Tamara Shane, Sylvia Chesley Smith, Jan Sundquist, and Leaflin Winecott from the Lopez Artist Guild have rallied to this cause and created beautiful 8” X 8” works of art, which will be sold at a set price. All pieces will be signed only on the back, so enjoy the surprises!

Enjoy live music, fancy finger food and beverages while helping preserve the last large parcel of land on the north end of Lopez.

The event is sponsored by Lopez Center and the Lopez Artist Guild. Tax deductible donations for Odlin South Preservation Project are being accepted by the San Juan County Land Bank at the event or can be sent to 350 Court St. #6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Please contact Heather Arps at harps4@centurytel.com or raitiwae@aol.com with any questions.