Sunday, September 23 was the Nisqually Land Trust Annual Membership Meeting and Salmon Bake at OddFellows Park near Olympia. The weather was warm and comfortable and the salmon was deliciously prepared by former land trust president, George Walter. The staff tossed salads, cut cake and scooped scrumptious huckleberry ice cream and pineapple sherbet. There was a table to sign in to make donations including logo hats, T-shirts and other gear.

The Land Trust was formed in 1989. According to their website, “the Nisqually Land Trust acquires and manages critical lands to permanently protect the water, wildlife, natural areas and scenic vistas of the Nisqually River watershed.”

The annual meeting is largely a social gathering with food, wine and desserts along with summary information about the land trust’s past year. At the meeting, President J.W. Foster and Executive Director Joe Kane spoke about the events of the year, gave credit to many who donated, worked, volunteered or assisted in other ways with their mission.

A typical year for the land trust includes a Nisqually River rafting trip in the summer, an awesome auction in the spring, and many work projects throughout the years to remove weeds, ivy or Scotch broom, plant bushes or trees or nature mapping. They have many distinguished supporters and participants as well as numerous dedicated volunteers. Their acquisitions range from the upper Nisqually forestlands to the tide flats at the mouth of the river in Puget Sound. A map of their holdings can be seen here. The Nisqually watershed is a model for restoration and preservation due to their efforts.

Jeanette Dorner was recognized for her past work with the Nisqually Tribal Fisheries on enhancement projects. She is now working for the Puget Sound partnership and furthering the reach of her expertise at helping fisheries in the region. Jeanette is a Bethel and PLU graduate from the Rocky Ridge area. Her work started years ago as a volunteer restoring Muck Creek near her home.

The next event on their schedule is a booth at the Nisqually Watershed Festival, Saturday September 29^th, 7a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. ALL festival and Refuge parking will be at River Ridge High School, 320 River Ridge Dr. SE, off Martin Way, 2.3 miles from the Refuge parking lot. A free shuttle will run beginning at 7a.m.