The things people actually ask

Into the work: plants and crews for restoration, staff time for the stewardship visits every agreement requires, fuel for gravel roads in February, and the long tail of monitoring. Gifts can be directed to a particular valley or program if you would like them to be.

It is a voluntary, permanent agreement between a landowner and a land trust that limits how a property can be subdivided or developed. You keep the title, you keep farming or logging or living there under the terms you negotiate, and the limits travel with the deed to every future owner.

No. Public access is a separate question and is entirely up to the landowner. Most of the agreements we hold include no public access at all.

Yes. You can sell it, leave it to your children, or borrow against it. The agreement stays with the land rather than with you, so the next owner inherits the same terms.

No. Plants, crew, permits and the years of follow-up weeding are covered by grants and donations. What we ask for is access and patience.

Not at all. Most planting-party volunteers have never held a planting bar, and somebody will show you in about four minutes. Wear boots you do not mind ruining.

Estuary and valley-floor walks usually are. Upper-bench walks involve steep ground and downed timber, and we say so on the calendar entry.

Through individual donations, membership gifts, foundation grants and public restoration grants. Our annual report describes where the money came from and what it paid for.

Not usually. Our working area is drawn around the water that reaches Bellingham Bay and the Samish. If you are outside it, write anyway and we will point you to the nearest land trust.