Inch By Inch
2023 has been focused on continued fundraising, maintaining the completed section of the trail in front of the Store, and partnering with the County to work through the myriad details of advancing northward to the Church. The County has identified the existence of wetlands in this next section which will require additional time and funding to address.
While the County pursues options for addressing the wetlands, we continue forward where we can, inch- by-ever-loving inch! We are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm of our amazing trail volunteers who recently helped trim trees and brush, remove old fence posts and barbed wire, pull out a tree stump, dig up invasive roses, and clear a pathway north of the Store along the Humble and Omey properties (that’s Curt above on his tractor dragging away a small tree, stump and all!).
Volunteers pictured above are: Curt Omey, Jack Hartt, Larry Verbano, Deb Bear, Carol Joy, Doug Charnock, John and Deb Strathman, Dana Andrak, Christy Simonton-Stapp, and Randy Schnabel. Also present (behind the camera) was Lorrie Steele.
Speaking of Fundraising ….
Thanks to the amazing generosity of our trail supporters/donors and the fantastic talent of several generous Island artists, we raised over $1100 during the June Art Studio Tour, sponsored by the Guemes Island Art (GIA) Initiative. “Trailers,” as we call ourselves, staffed the GIFT booth (aka studio) which was adorned with a variety of beautiful art, including watercolor notecards by Maryam Schutz, Mari Walsch- Smith, Mary Heath, Nancy Liggett, Katie Johnson, and Bonnie Olpin, re-purposed colorful feedbags by John Strathman, and painted rocks by Lorie Steele. Dave and Karen Shill, and Terri Scappini.
We’re also grateful to the ladies who baked and sold “sweet treats” and drinks in the Hall during the Art Tour and then donated the proceeds to GIFT (or who otherwise contributed to our fundraising success) – you are awesome! – Mary Parker-Hale, Sharon Hughlitt, Toni Schmokel, Barb Ohms, Libby Boucher, Lisa Charnock, Connie Snell, Julie Pingree, Kathy Whitman.
Thanks to the Guemes Island Community Center Association (GICCA) and GIA for their continued support of the trail – AND the community – because that’s what it’s all about!
And, Finally, a Thank You to Our Partners …
We would like to thank Skagit Land Trust and Jack Hartt, in particular. Jack has been extremely instrumental as a liaison with the Skagit County Parks and Public Works departments. Our thanks to these County organizations as well as to the Linnemann family, Curt Omey, and the Humble family for their support in providing trail access along their properties.
We will be at the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 24. We will have yummy trail bars (delicious and nutritious – made by us “trailers”), safety lights (to protect you and your loved ones, including the furry kind), and our beautiful T-shirts for sale to help us reach our minimum goal. With your help during this season of giving we can do it!
Donations can be made through LineTime.org as well.
Please stop by our table, view these items, and reach into your pockets during this season of giving. The Guemes Ferry Trail is under a 501c3 with Guemes Library so all donations are tax deductible.
Thank You
Guemes Island Ferry Trail
guemesferrytrail@gmail.com
www.guemesislandferrytrail.com
GIFT falls under the Guemes Island Library’s 501 (c) 3 status. To make a tax-deductible donation, checks can be made payable to the Guemes Island Library and mailed to the library at 7549 Guemes Island Road, Anacortes, WA 98221. Please add ‘Guemes Trail Project’ in the memo field. To donate online click here.