Warm Hearts in a Frozen Forest: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Ignites Action at Inspiring Kids Preserve

On a clear, crisp morning at Inspiring Kids Preserve, ice crunches beneath the feet of 20 volunteers gathered at the head of a trail. They are here because they share a common value: they believe in the importance of preserving and restoring the biodiversity-rich habitats that contribute to the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in our area. Volunteering with Capitol Land Trust (CLT) provided an excellent opportunity to put their passion into action.

Those brave enough to face the cold on this Martin Luther King Day of Service are rewarded with sparkling views of a wintry landscape, its frosty features illuminated by rays of sunshine piercing through the evergreen canopy of this 108-acre preserve. It is a rare opportunity to explore both second and third-growth forests not yet open to the public and an even rarer chance to spot signs of the beavers, porcupines, and red-breasted sapsuckers who call this place home.

While the reasons for joining today’s trail clearing mission might differ among the volunteers, it quickly becomes evident that these dedicated individuals share something in common: a love for wild places and willingness to take action to protect and sustain them. Some are seasoned in this kind of work, having spent countless hours engaged in the small acts of service that make a big impact on Capitol Land Trust’s mission to connect communities and conserve land. Yet for others, today marks a first important step on that journey.

Such is the case for Hee-sun and her mother, Kim. A ninth-grade student at Olympia High School, it was Hee-sun’s idea to spend this Martin Luther King Day of Service clearing paths in the forest after hearing about the Day of Service event from her biology teacher. This in turn inspired her mom to join the effort, who shares that it was an easy decision given their family’s love of hiking and other outdoor activities.

“We both looked at each other and said, ‘If we’re gonna look for opportunities to volunteer, this is as good as it gets,’” Kim says, smile widening.

Hee-sun adds that while this is their first time volunteering, it is not the first she’s heard of CLT. The land trust initially appeared on her radar in middle school during a presentation on service projects. “AmeriCorps was there,” Hee-sun recalls, perhaps not realizing that Americorps is also here on this chilly day.

The AmeriCorps members arrive as a group of seven—six humans and one service canine—in a blue truck announcing their partnership with the Washington Conservation Corps. They refer to themselves as the Tacoma Spike Crew, with one declaring that despite working outdoors four days a week, “today is a special day.” It is their first time visiting Inspiring Kids Preserve and given their goal to work in every one of Washington’s many ecosystems, they are in awe of the diversity of habitats found here. The Crew is also impressed by CLT’s friendly approach to hosting today’s event, which they describe as “super fun and relaxing.” Buckbean the service dog seems to be having a particularly good time, undeterred by gaps in the wooden walkways that bridge the soggy riparian areas close to Henderson Inlet. “He comes every day to work with us,” his human, Oscar, relays proudly as Buckbean wags his tail in agreement.

What Buckbean provides in experience, first time CLT volunteer Aimee brings in enthusiasm for today’s MLK-inspired event. An outdoor educator, Aimee shares that it is the social aspect of conservation that interests her most, including how land trusts and Indigenous communities can work together to open lands up in a way that respects the long-term needs of the habitats and creatures found there. “We are in the midst of a climate collapse,” Aimee observes, “so we need to keep our ecosystems intact and where they’re not, we need to focus on rebuilding.”

Fortunately, such rebuilding efforts are only expanding at Inspiring Kids Preserve, with CLT recently acquiring an adjacent property that will now be protected for future generations. Retired ecologist and long-time volunteer Doug reflects on what this means for the children who visit the preserve today.

“I hope they’ll come back as adults and say, ‘I remember when that tree was only so tall,’” Doug muses with his hand outstretched near his waist. “I hope it is something they’ll show their children.”

Perhaps that will be at an event like today’s Day of Service, where a group of strangers meets at a trail head, only to depart as friends.

Whether volunteering time and expertise or making a donation, Capitol Land Trust offers many opportunities to support the work of preserving and restoring ecologically significant spaces. If you are interested in putting your passion for the environment into action, get involved here.