Over the past three weeks, North Olympic Land Trust presented a series of three online events designed to stand in place of our traditional in-person Conservation Breakfast. Land Trust staff and presenters enjoyed learning new skills as we pivoted to digital platforms for the first time. And while online events can never replace the pleasure of joining with our friends and supporters in person, we felt very encouraged and supported by our community throughout this brand-new process. Many thanks to all of you who joined us live and/or watched the recorded versions of the events. We loved engaging with you on Zoom chat, over social media and through the kind emails that you sent to us. Please enjoy a few follow-up notes about each event below, with links to watch the recordings on the Land Trust’s YouTube channel.
Cougar Research on the Olympic Peninsula
On April 28th, we were thrilled to have Wildlife Program Manager Kim Sager-Fradkin present her cutting-edge research on cougars of the Olympic Peninsula. She shared a wealth of knowledge and some very entertaining videos! A Q&A session at the end gave viewers an opportunity to ask their most pressing cougar questions, and many folks were interested to learn how they might join the citizen science effort by installing a trail camera on their own property. Watch the cougar presentation >
River’s Edge Community Celebration
On May 5th, we were delighted to invite the community to join us in a virtual celebration of the River’s Edge land purchase. Together we raised our glasses to the permanent conservation of 104 acres for farm and habitat. Many thanks to avid Land Trust supporters Jim & Robbie Mantooth for sharing a lovely photo of their celebratory moment. Watch the community celebration >
Out Standing in the Field Award
On May 12th, we were honored to present the 2020 Out Standing in the Field 
Award to world-renowned environmental photographer Pat O’Hara, who loves his home right here on the Olympic Peninsula. Viewers were treated to a selection of O’Hara’s incredible photographs and appreciative words by frequent collaborator and nature poet Tim McNulty. McNulty later shared a poem that he wrote for O’Hara in 1992, which we are delighted to include here. Watch the award presentation >
