Saturday, May 30, Noon to 4 p.m., Mount Grant

— from Barbara Courtney, San Juan Preservation Trust

Mt Grant credit J.K. FoxThe San Juan Preservation Trust and San Juan County Land Bank invite the entire island community to join in celebrating the kick-off of the Campaign to Save Mount Grant on Saturday, May 30, from noon to 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Music, refreshments, and guided tours will be provided.

Campaign co-chair Karin Agosta issues this hearty invitation to all: “Come join us for the community celebration. And if you have not yet been on Mount Grant, prepare to be wowed!”

The event will celebrate progress so far on this important project and will allow our community to see, first-hand, the 141-acre Mount Grant property that has long been considered a gem of the islands. Expansive hiking trails are planned through dense forest up to a summit area with incredible vistas. For those not able to hike to the top, a road provides auto access so that people of all ages and physical ability can enjoy the spectacular, 360-degree views that span the horizon from Mount Baker to the Canadian Gulf Islands with regional island vistas as well.

KubatanaLocal naturalists will be on hand to point out the many delightful features of Mount Grant and to identify landmarks visible from the summit. Marimba Kubatana will perform, and hot dogs, lemonade and other treats will be served. Representatives from the 22-person campaign steering committee, the Preservation Trust, and the Land Bank will be on hand to answer questions.

Parking is limited and carpooling is strongly encouraged. If you plan to visit the Preserve on May 30, please consider using the free shuttle van for a ride to and from the event. It will depart from 1st Street North at the corner of Court Street, in front of the Courthouse, every 30 minutes from noon until 3 pm. Transportation will be available to shuttle non-hikers to the summit, but no other cars will be allowed up Mount Grant during the event. (The road will be opened on selected days and hours once safety upgrades have been completed.)

For more information about The Campaign to Save Mount Grant or the May 30 kick-off, please visit www.sjpt.org/mountgrant or call the San Juan Preservation Trust at 360/378-2461.

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