The summer of 2015 continues to be a season of extremes and while several parts of the country are experiencing floods and record rainfall the west coast is in the middle of a drought. The entire Pacific Northwest is now under extreme fire watch and Seattle had the hottest 4th of July ever. Last year we saw rain on the 4th but this year many communities cancelled firework celebrations and urged residents to save their “safe and sane” purchases for New Year’s Eve 2016. With more than 60 fires burning across British Columbia and Washington state fires stretching from the Olympic Peninsula to the eastern border the air is full of smoky haze and the sun has taken on an eerie red glow. I miss our blue skies.
Looking for a break from the heat and smoke we spent a lovely Sunday afternoon hiking through the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve in Bellingham and I took shot after shot of deep green moss, old and second-growth trees and acres of ferns.
Welcome to the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. This reserve protects wildlife, water, and a rich forest eco-system. Please enjoy this opportunity to learn about nature and to care for the land that we share.
The Reserve includes the 138-acre Lake Louise Natural Resources Conservation Area owned by the Department of Natural Resources, 196 acres owned by Whatcom Land Trust and 34 acres jointly owned by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Whatcom County Parks & Recreation manages the Reserve, and Whatcom Land Trust maintains a permanent stewardship endowment for its upkeep.
The core of the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve was donated to Whatcom Land Trust in 2000 in memory of Edward K. and Catharine C. Stimpson by their seven children. This donation continues the family legacy of giving generously to our community.
From the welcome sign at the entrance to the Reserve.
Posted today as part of Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nature.
Northwest Frame of Mind 
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