San Juan County Parks Department would like to shout out a big “Thank you” to the Odlin Planting Party Volunteers.

On the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27 more than 50 adults and youths participated in the two-day wetland enhancement planting party at Odlin County Park on Lopez Island. The volunteers planted 650 trees, shrubs and plants, and spread 200 yards of mulch throughout the newly constructed wetland areas in the park, completing this phase of the wetland enhancement project. The weather was beautiful, spirits were high, and the project was a huge success.

Volunteers included many park supporters from Lopez Island, along with San Juan Islanders, the San Juan Island Conservation Corp, and longtime Odlin campers from the mainland. We could not be more pleased with the turn out and the energy everyone brought to this event. It was hard work and we are so grateful to everyone who helped us get the project done. Parks staff will now spread the wetland grasses seed and all will emerge in the spring.

Earlier in the week the Washington Conservation Corps crew helped park staff prepare the site installing 2,300 feet of deer fencing to protect the new plants and planting a remote wetland enhancement area bringing the total count of new plantings in the park to 803.

The county park staff extends heartfelt thank yous to all of the volunteers, including:

Alaria Franzoni; Alwyn Jones; Angie and Johannes Krieger; Ann Palmer; Barbara Keller; Bette Ranting; Charles Janeway; David Halpern; Debbi Fincher; Nina Salama, Peter and Ginger Smith; Ingrid Gabriel; Jamie Stephens; Jennifer Thomas; Jessie Pachuta; Jo Ann McNerthney; Justin Honeywell; Keith Kemplin; Kelly Bryant; Kiko Anderson; Lalita Ramakishman; Lori and Scott Honeywell; Marie Wirsham; Marylee Wilson; Michael and Taya Higgins; Mikael Moore; Mo Pomietto; Nancy Blouin; Nick Gervasi; Nick Teague; Rajan and Mark Troll; Ron Metcalf; Sandy Bishop; Sarah Hanson; Scott Pinegar; Steve Perret; San Juan Island Youth Conservation Corps.; SJI Dollars for Scholars Volunteer. (We apologize if anyone was missed or names misspelled – the work of all volunteers is appreciated.)

The final Parks department thank yous go to Isabel’s Espresso and South End Grocery & Restaurant for their coffee and cookie donations and to Vortex Café and Holly B’s Bakery for providing tasty food that kept the partygoers shoveling and planting.

San Juan County Parks, Recreation and Fair Department