Since I am at the computer all day managing the business side of Conservation Northwest, I look forward to getting outside in the summer and connecting more with our mission of protecting and connecting wild places across the state.

Last weekend, I enjoyed an adventure in the Loomis State Forest just northeast of Winthrop with friends. If you’ve been a member for a while, you’ll remember the amazing leap of faith Conservation Northwest took to raise $17 million to protect 25,000 acres of this forest, which is important habitat for the Canada lynx and other wildlife. While my husband did not find the exact acre he “purchased” when he donated to the campaign, he was thrilled to explore the area and re-celebrate our nearly 10-year old victory.

It was particularly fun to meet up with one person who was key to the Loomis success: Mark Skatrud.  Mark re-told the story of how he got involved and partnered with Mitch, eventually filing suit against the Department of Natural Resources on the basis of logging in the North Cascades grizzly recovery zone. As we started up from the Cold Springs Campground northwest of the town of Loomis, Mark pointed out areas of the forest that had burned and explained how there is a more complex mosaic of tree types because of natural fires. The views, despite threatening thunder storms were amazing, and we were able to look back to Tiffany Mountain, where we had hiked the day before.  Wildflowers were everywhere and we saw several species more common to the Rocky Mountains at the base of the Chopaka Natural Area Preserve. As we sat around our campfire cooking up a delicious dinner and hearing a few coyotes yip in the meadow behind us, I was proud of what Conservation Northwest had accomplished with the help of so many enthusiastic supporters and am again recharged about my work!

Do you hike in the Loomis? Where is your favorite spot?

Conservation Northwest member Paul, former board member and Loomis champion Mark Skatrud, and my husband Andy in the Loomis state forest.