Bainbridge Island Land Trust to present awards at annual meeting, potluck

Don and Judy Willott will be presented with the Phyllis Young Award at the Bainbridge Island Land Trust’s annual meeting and potluck dinner.

The celebration is planned for 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at the Island School. The family friendly community event is free and open to the public.

The Willotts are being recognized for their years of service to the community in ways that exemplify the mission of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, a nonprofit that works to preserve and protect the diverse natural environment of the island.

Also to be honored will be Jo Schaffer Volunteers of the Year: Hilary Hilscher, Erin Kellogg, Zan Merriman, Cheryl Tlam, Paul Brians and Cameron Snow.

Officials with the land trust said the dedicated group of volunteers was responsible for the creation of “Natural Bainbridge,” an engaging and beautiful new book that beckons readers to explore and safeguard our exquisite preserves, protected spaces and parks. Packed with original illustrations, images by island photographers, and quotes from local authors, “Natural Bainbridge” is a showcase of useful facts and stories of the island’s splendid lands and waters, and all sales proceeds from the book support the land trust.

As the organization’s annual meeting, the land trust will provide its membership with updates on recent projects, including the success of the Stand for the Land campaign and its momentum into 2020.

The evening kicks off with a social hour that begins at 6 p.m., and the potluck follows at 7 with the official meeting starting shortly thereafter.

The celebration will be held in the Island School’s Webster Hall (8553 Day Road NE) and parking is available across the street at the Sage offices.

No RSVP is required. As a Zero Waste event, organizers are asking attendees to bring their own silverware, plates, cups and napkins, in addition to a favorite dish to share.