Although the colonial period of Whidbey and Camano Islands’ history is marked with heavy logging, there is a staunch spirit of environmental activism among modern islanders that goes way back. So many of the public lands now held most dear to residents and visitors were saved from clear-cutting and development plans, at times while facing down extraordinary odds. Some of the oldest known trees have been saved from destruction by citizen-led campaigns.
Generous residents continue to donate land for protection and stewardship to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, which has also secured over $80 million in grants to purchase important lands. This is a proactive community, with both islands supporting an astonishing number of environmental groups and volunteer stewardship efforts. The hard work of some of these groups has been felt statewide, with legal precedents being applied to other regions in Washington. Local island efforts have even benefitted some international environmental protection campaigns.
saved from developers.
These are some of the groups who make our islands special.
This listing is part of our Cultural and Heritage Guide.
Look for the guide at Visitor Centers throughout Whidbey and Camano Islands.
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