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05/04/2009: "Woodland Stewardship Award"

The Woodland Stewardship Award was given to Bob and Pat Jester property owners on Orcas Island.

They have been quietly conserving a large swath of forestland along the Western slope of Entrance Mountain, near Rosario on Orcas Island, for many years.

The Jesters started implementing their conservation vision by donating two conservation easements to the San Juan Preservation Trust, protecting over 40 acres of woodlands through restriction of development rights.

When they discovered that the land adjoining them, and bordering Sunrise Mountain and Cascade Lake was in peril of development, they purchased these lands and then subsequently turned them over to Moran State Park. Because of their actions, the 5,252-acre Moran Park is now connected to an additional 300 acres of protected woodlands on Entrance Mountain.

Eight Good Stewardship awards were presented at “Sustainable San Juans: Greening Your Home, Business and Food”, an Earthday event held Saturday in Friday Harbor. The awards were part of a three day celebration of environmental stewardship sponsored by the San Juan Stewardship Network and the San Juan Island Community Foundation .

Jack and Joan Giard ; Julian Glasser; Dr. Eugene Kozloff ; Peter Fisher ; Bob and Pat Jester; Dr. Mike Kaill; Douglas, Joseph and Sam Bullock; and Lynn Danaher were the other award recipients; they and their photos will be featured in separate stories over the next few days.

Award recipients were presented with large pottery “Finny’s”, fish-shaped creations handcrafted by Crow Valley Pottery, and enjoyed a luncheon provided by Tom French and the Experience Food Project. More information on the Summit and the awards can be found on the Stewardship Network website, www. http://www.stewardshipsjc.org/summit.html