Moran teams with Community Foundation for needed repairs, improvements

Local lumber to be used for construction

— from Sandra Talt for Friends of Moran —

During this Thanksgiving season, our gratitude naturally goes out to those who contribute so generously to the park. These contributors include our donors, volunteers, educational presenters, park staff, camp hosts, board members and our vendors who provide wonderful souvenirs and gifts for the Summit Gift Shop. 

Thank you for all that you do to make Moran State Park on beautiful Orcas Island so special for both residents and visitors alike. Although the little gift shop has closed for the season, we would like to extend an invitation to make one more contribution this year.

As some of you know, last winter’s big wind storm brought down many trees in the park … many big, beautiful Doug Firs too good to simply let rot in the forest or be used for firewood. And, with plans moving forward to construct the new Interpretive Center (building begins in the spring) we thought … Let’s Keep it Local! Under normal circumstances, the state would send the materials list to lumber yards to bid on the project. But, why source off-island when we have the material right here on Orcas? So, a local mill has been contracted at a competitive rate. Not only are we using local trees and saving $$, but we are providing a big job to a local business. While the wood is free, the transportation, milling and prep is not.

We have partnered with the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) to help raise funds to complete this project. Friends is “chipping in” – no pun intended, and we hope you can too.

The fund-raising campaign runs December 2 – 20 but there are two important dates that could make your donation go even further. While your gift is greatly appreciated at any time and at any level during this campaign, donations made on Thursday, December 5 of $100 or more will be entered to win, boosting the donation by $1000. Wow!! Thank you OICF!

The other important date is Thursday, December 12 otherwise known as Unique Donor Day: if Friends of Moran State Park has the most number of unique donors ($10 minimum) in this 24-hour period we would win a bonus of $1000. ($500 for second place and $250 for third place.) Donations must be made online to count toward Unique Donor Game Day. Watch unique donor video at: https://vimeo.com/261166319

Of course, you are welcomed and encouraged to support any of the other worthy projects and organizations OICF is promoting, if you can. But, we hope that if you are willing and able to participate, that you consider supporting the Friends of Moran Keep it Local Lumber Project.

For more information and to donate, go to oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?grant_id=8730. Thank you and hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving,

Proceeds from the Summit Gift Shop and donations help to fund emergency phone service in the park; the summit weather station and web-cams; trail maps; educational outreach and park projects including the Moran Creek Hatchery.