Island places provide inspiration for young writers

Young adult writers were challenged to write about “Preserving what’s important in a changing world” and “Imagine the Islands without land conservation” in essay or poem format for the third annual young adult essay contest sponsored by the San Juan County Land Bank.

Elli Blaine’s first prize winning poem, “Orcas Oasis,” allows one to savor the delicacies of Turtleback Mountain and ponder what might have happened had it not been preserved. Elli received $250 for her entry.

Jeanie Tran’s poem “This Land Was Made For You and Me,” and Lily Sky’s poem “The Hermit Questions” were named co-second place winners, receiving $50 each. When receiving word of her award, Lily acknowledged, “This is such an important topic. I think that it is wonderful that this competition brings the topic of preservation into high schools, particularly to students in the beautiful San Juan Islands. Thank you for offering this opportunity to all of us.”

Land Bank Commissioner at large, Amanda Azous, and local writer Janet Thomas provided judging services. The Land Bank’s Young Adult Essay Contest started in 2006 with prizes provided by donation from members of our island communities. Winning poems were on displayed at the San Juan County Fair at the Land Bank’s booth and are now available to read at the Land Bank Administrative office at 328 Caines Street, Friday Harbor.

About the San Juan County Land Bank

The Land Bank Program was approved by San Juan County voters in 1990. In 1999, the program was renewed for 12 more years by a nearly 73 percent vote of support. The program is funded by a one percent real estate transfer tax. Paid by those who purchase property in the County, this tax expressly funds preservation of the natural heritage of the San Juan Islands. Through conservation easements or outright purchases, the Land Bank protects special properties in the County. These include marine shoreline, woodlands, farmland, wetlands, and historic homesteads. The Land Bank has protected nearly 5,000 acres of important conservation lands throughout the San Juan Islands.

The Land Bank may be contacted by email at sjclandbank@rockisland.com or at 360-378-4402.

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