News: Make A Difference Day

Many of Capitol Land Trust’s properties come to us in conditions where restoration action is necessary. Randall Preserve was donated to CLT in 2008 by Marjorie Randall; we were interested in this property because of the high-quality tidelands (the territory between the high and low water tide line) and salt marshes (ecosystem in the upper intertidal zone between land and open salt water or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides). These ecosystems provide habitat for many animals and marine species.

When Randall Preserve was donated to CLT, the property needed a bit of work to return the land to it’s full potential. There were several structures, concrete, junk appliances, waste oil, and a bulkhead made up of over 400 tires on the property. Invasive plant species were prevalent all over the property and toxic containments were found in the soil. Despite this, Capitol Land Trust seized the opportunity to improve the area where we live, work and play. Today, the scars are barely visible thanks to countless hours volunteers and staff have dedicated to restoring Randall Preserve.

On October 22, 2016 our AmeriCorps member Mary hosted a wonderful event for Make A Difference Day. Make A Difference Day is one of the largest annual single-days of service. Since 1992, volunteers have united on the fourth Saturday in October with a common purpose: improve the lives of others.

For the event, Mary and 8 other volunteers continued the transformation at Randall Preserve by planting native western red cedars. It is our vision to see portions of the site develop into a beautiful forest canopy and healthy ecosystem. The event was featured in the Washington Service Corps newsletter. Check it out here!

A huge thank you to everyone that came out to make a difference and make the future of Eld Inlet a bit brighter!