Bainbridge forests, climate change focus of IslandWood conference

By Luciano Marano • March 8, 2020 11:30 am
Image courtesy of Douglas Crist | “Our Forests: Bainbridge Island and the Climate Crisis” is the focus of the 17th Association of Bainbridge Communities Environmental Conference, to be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at IslandWood.
Image courtesy of Douglas Crist | “Our Forests: Bainbridge Island and the Climate Crisis” is the focus of the 17th Association of Bainbridge Communities Environmental Conference, to be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at IslandWood.

Do you care about Bainbridge Island’s forests and the wildlife that call this island home?

Climate change is affecting the Puget Sound region, but what can we do about it?

First, consider joining city, state, and regional scientists in a community conversation on the research and best practices for stewarding our forests through the lens of climate change.

“Our Forests: Bainbridge Island and the Climate Crisis” is the focus of the 17th Association of Bainbridge Communities Environmental Conference, to be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at IslandWood.

The keynote Speaker is Hilary Franz, Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands, and the event will include presentations and breakout sessions on such topics as “Forest Management,” “Habitat and Wildlife,” “Managing Fire Risk” and “Citizen Science” in the time of climate change.

See the full conference schedule and register now at www.islandwood.org/events.

Admission is $5 per person and space is limited.

Four special pre-conference field trips are being offered on Saturday, March 14 at forested lands around the island. Guided tours will visit Springridge Creek Reserve, Moritani Preserve, Bloedel Reserve and Grand Forest West, to observe ecological conditions and discuss the health of island forests.

Field trip signups are separate at www.islandwood.org, and you do not have to attend the environmental conference to participate in one of the tours.

The environmental conference is co-sponsored by the Association of Bainbridge Community, Bainbridge Community Foundation, Sustainable Bainbridge, Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, Bainbridge Island Land Trust, Bainbridge Island Watershed Council, Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island Fire Department, IslandWood, the city of Bainbridge Island, EcoAdapt and the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation.