WETLANDS

From the time of our inception, FoF became involved in a much larger project than anyone had anticipated: Eighteen and a half acres of land at the entrance to Freeland at the corner of Newman and Scott Roads were offered for sale. The total acreage was divided into four parcels including the headwaters of a vital wetland system and 6.5 acres of prime commercial property. Recognizing the opportunity for the community to protect a valuable resource and truly influence the manner in which the property would be developed, FoF worked with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust and two local families to acquire all four parcels.

Using donated funds, Friends of Freeland purchased title to 12 acres containing 4 acres of wetland and 8 acres of forest uplands in August, 2001.

Over a 12-month period, the community was given the opportunity to donate money to purchase the 6 commercial acres for use as a park and community center. Fund-raising efforts fell short of that goal; so the property was sold in April, 2002 to people who desire to develop it in ways that protect the environment and serve the Freeland community:

Since the initial acquisition of 12 acres our holdings have been increased in two ways. First, a group of landowners owning two parcels on the Freeland side of the original acquisition have, through sale and through gift, added 1.3 acres of critical wetland buffer to FoF's property. They have pledged to develop their property in such a way as to enhance, not harm, the adjacent wetland, and raised the possibility of providing public access in the future, when their own plans have become better defined and when we have gained enough understanding of the ecological functioning of the wetland to know what kind of community access is appropriate.

Second, FoF received an extraordinarily generous gift of 26.2 adjacent acres of this wetland system from Freeland resident Virginia Booth. Virginia donated the land to FoF in honor of her late husband William with the explicit stipulation that the land should be protected, not developed.

May of 2004 marked the beginning of a collaboration with the Whidbey chapter of Audubon, which has begun a monthly census of breeding and migratory birds to better understand who inhabits this particular wetland, and where nesting areas are located. During the summer, three surveys have been performed by Audubon. The data accumulated during these surveys will be invaluable for defining a baseline for future measurements of bird and animal population changes in the area and subsequent impact on the wetlands ecosystem. In 2006 we purchased an additional 5 acre parcel. Thus, in the short time span of six years FoF has become the steward of over 45 acres of one of the most rapidly-disappearing types of ecosystems in the region. By properly managing our property we can conserve habitat, support a healthy water cycle, and provide educational and quiet recreational opportunities for our community.

Wetlands Activities

Based on the studies and surveys plus wise counsel from other ecologists, FoF was able to put in a trail in 2007 and do GIS mapping to insure minimal impact to the environment. Trail maintenance of the half mile loop will be a future activity as the area flora is very robust. Currently we are working with Audubon to develop a wildlife viewing platform overlooking the wetlands, educational signs for a self directed learning experience, an outdoor classroom and in conjunction with a group called "Birds of a Feather" who own an adjacent parcel, we will put in a small parking area with access to the trail. Grants are being pursued to finance this part of the project.