— from the San Juan County Land Bank —

Photo: More wildflowers thrive on Turtleback thanks to Land Bank’s habitat restoration. Photo by Anne Karp.

More wildflowers thrive on Turtleback thanks to Land Bank’s habitat restoration. Photo by Anne Karp.

The San Juan County Land Bank will host two guided field trips in May, on Turtleback Mountain and at Stonebridge Terrill to Crescent Beach Trail.

Turtleback Mountain Preserve’s Oak Woodlands, Sat. May 17 from 9:30 a.m.to Noon

Hikers will visit oak woodlands on the southwest side of Turtleback Mountain Preserve with Land Bank staff. Learn about the Garry oak’s natural and cultural history, its vulnerabilities, and the restoration work being done on its behalf. Details: 2.5 miles round trip, 600 feet elevation gain, easy pace. Park at South Turtleback trailhead off Wild Rose Lane. Bring: Trail-appropriate footwear, water, snack, binoculars, and your kids!

Stonebridge Terrill to Crescent Beach Bird Walk, Sat. May 24 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Join ornithologist Kim Middleton on a walk through the Land Bank’s Crescent Beach and Stonebridge Terrill Preserves. The forest, meadow, wetland, and shoreline areas of these preserves provide a mosaic of habitats that host many of our resident and migratory birds. For both beginning and experienced birdwatchers. Details: 2.5 miles round trip, flat terrain. Park at Buck Park. Bring trail-appropriate footwear, water, snack, binoculars, and hushed early morning awe.