Submitted by San Juan Preservation Trust

Fundraising continues for the Campaign for Mount Grant Preserve, a community-wide effort to permanently protect a very special, 141-acre San Juan Island landmark. In order for people to see what all the excitement is about, Mount Grant Preserve will once again be open to cars on select Sundays this spring and summer. Although the preserve is open to hikers year-round from dawn until dusk, those who are not able to hike have appreciated “Sundays at the Summit,” which began Easter weekend, when the gate was open to motorized vehicles. Going forward, driving access will be permitted from noon to 6 pm on May 8 (Mother’s Day), May 29 (Memorial Day weekend), June 19 (Father’s Day) and then each Sunday beginning July 3, and continuing throughout the summer. Islanders and visitors are encouraged to take in the view and check out the new trails at the top.

The ridge-top property provides important native plant and animal habitat, old-growth Douglas firs, wildflower meadows and walking trails. From the top, one is rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views including Mount Baker and the Cascade Range, San Juan Valley and Lopez Island, and north to the Canadian Gulf Islands.

The Trust, in partnership with the San Juan County Land Bank and the local island community, are working to permanently protect this special property. For more info on the Campaign for Mount Grant Preserve, contact the trust at 378-2461 or visit www.sjpt.org/mountgrant.