In March, 1983, nearly 50 people gathered in the basement of the Dutch Mothers Restaurant in downtown Lynden, Washington, an agricultural community in the heart of Whatcom County. Together, they learned about ways a land trust might preserve Whatcom County’s agricultural heritage.
Having obtained 501 (C)(3) nonprofit status, the first “official” board meeting of the Whatcom Land Trust met in November, 1984. Some of the people who were instrumental in the creation of the Whatcom Land Trust continue to donate their time and financial support as active participants in our work to this day. Present at the original meeting: Henry Bierlink, Bob Andersen, John Vander Hage, Henry Polinder, Denise Atwood, Sandy Palm, Hilda Bajema, Dave Syre, Shirley Van Zanten, Diane Miller, Cal Roper, Fred Colvin, Jim Wynstra, Sherm Polinder, Joe Elenbaas, Dan Noteboom, Bob Muenscher, and Ron Polinder.
Board members recorded at the March, 1984, Executive Meeting included: Acting President Rand Jack, Herman Miller, Bob Muenscher, Henry Polinder, Jime Wynstra, and Hilda Bajema. Absent were Phyllis Graham, and John Vanderhage.
Today, Whatcom Land Trust works with our many partners: agencies, tribes, businesses, landowners and others to protect the nature of our home. And, to support our long-range promise to the Whatcom County community that, in 50 to 100 years, the wild and special places here in our county will still exist, and the quality of life they represent will remain forever.
“Conservation for the community, by the community…”
These words appear on the sign at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. They summarize Whatcom Land Trust’s work, and our ongoing and special partnership with Whatcom County Parks and Recreation.
Using creative solutions, Whatcom Land Trust has worked collaboratively with timber companies, Native American tribes, conservation nonprofits, businesses, local, state and federal agencies, foundations, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and individual donors and landowners who love their land to ensure that those natural resources that have sustained us in the past continue to enhance our quality of life.
