OPAL in the Spotlight!
We’re thrilled to share an interview featuring Lisa Byers and Julie Brunner, as they discuss OPAL’s work and vision on Orcas Island.
Dive into the conversation on local affordable housing solutions here:
The content
Pea Patch Community Campus Update: Join Us for a Site Design Report & Solar Microgrid Feedback
Exciting progress for the Pea Patch Community Campus! OPAL Community Land Trust, Orcas Island Food Bank, and Orcas Community Resource Center are thrilled to share the latest site design, shaped by our community’s input.
Report Back Session
When: Tuesday, October 29, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall
Join us as the architects present the final site plan, featuring building layouts, greenspaces, and essential infrastructure, all reflecting months of public input.
Community Survey on Solar Microgrid
We’re also exploring a solar + battery microgrid option for sustainable energy solutions on campus. Take our quick survey to share your thoughts before it closes on October 30.
Link For Survey: Pea Patch Community Campus: Microgrid Project Survey
For more details on the Pea Patch project, visit: Pea Patch Community Campus.
Thank you for helping bring this vision to life!
Download the Full Update Here
Q&A with the Candidates for San Juan County Council
October 2024
Two island residents, George Zweibel (Orcas Island) and Sandy Bishop (Lopez Island), asked the candidates for the San Juan County Council questions regarding affordable housing. These questions were designed to gather insights on how each candidate plans to address this critical issue.
Running for Position 1 from San Juan Island are Kari McVeigh and Stephanie O’Day. Running for Position 2 from Orcas Island are Rick Hughes and Justin Paulsen.
The questions cover a range of topics related to affordable housing, including the Council’s role in addressing the housing crisis, specific code changes to encourage development, and the importance of housing for seniors and those on fixed incomes.
To read the full Q&A and see each candidate’s responses, please download the attached document below:
Helping Nature Take Back the Reddick Forest.
OPAL has made significant headway in restoring the Reddick Forest near the Bonnie Brae community by removing invasive species and planting native vegetation. With the expertise of ecologist, Samantha Martin (Field & Fern) and former Land Bank land steward, Eric Nelson (NW Habitat Management).
To ensure the invasive blackberries do not return, a precise “cut and dab” technique was employed, where stems are cut and immediately treated with a targeted herbicide. Similarly, large holly trees underwent stem injections for effective control. These measures are carefully executed to be seasonally appropriate and environmentally safe.
The eco-team also adopted natural restoration methods, like leaving plant material to decompose, which enriches future growth. In some areas, blackberry canes were repurposed as mulch to protect newly seeded native grasses and herbs.
OPAL’s long-term vision for the Reddick Forest is to foster an ecosystem where native flora and fauna can thrive, supporting wildlife and contributing to a balanced deer population. The project also aims to enhance the variety of native berries for birds, particularly during migration periods. The forest’s youthful alder-dominated landscape offers a unique habitat conducive to this growth.
Overall, OPAL’s work exemplifies the power of community efforts and environmental stewardship in enacting positive ecological change.
A New Chapter at Mount Baker Apartments
The Garcia Salinas family has found a fresh start in their renovated Mount Baker apartment. The family of four includes Verenice Salinas Ramírez, who works at Orcas Food Co-op, and Edson Garcia Guzman, who started his own construction business, “Black Rooster,” after learning the trade on the island. They are parents to Denilson and Alison Garcia Salinas, who enjoy their quality education at Orcas Island Public Schools.
The journey to this bright, airy home began years ago when the Garcia Salinas family arrived on Orcas, taking their first steps in a modest unit at the Mount Baker Apartments. Life, with its unpredictable rhythms, moved them across the island, changing houses, expanding their family with the addition of their daughter, and yet, fate brought them full circle back to where they began. The family’s previous rental home in the North Beach area was sold, prompting their move.
“I remember walking in for the first time after OPAL had finished their work,” Verenice recalls, her voice tinged with amazement. “The sunlight was pouring in, and it felt like we were in a completely new world. It was our old home, but with a brand-new heart.”
The once-quaint but tired apartment has been refreshed into bright, airy spaces.. Edson’s personal journey from novice to craftsman is embodied in the walls of their apartment. Collaborating with OPAL, his hands painted the walls, and his attention to detail ensured that every corner met his family’s needs.
“It’s our home. I’ve finished it with my own two hands to make sure my family has everything they need.”
– Edson Garcia
The family now revels in the newfound privacy and comfort of their individual rooms, with their son, Deni, expressing his joy at having his own space with a closet. The heart of the home, the kitchen, where Verenice loves to cook was transformed. The new design, with its large sink, wood cabinets and modern appliances, is complemented by views out the window, making cooking a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The sense of community is deep, with their extended families living next door, fostering a feeling of belonging.
“It’s more than just living next door to each other; it’s about being there for each other. That’s what family is about,” Verenice reflects.
As they settle into their renewed home, Verenice looks forward to adding the final personal touches, such as hanging family photos that will tell the story of their journey.
“We’re happy here, really happy,” sums up Verenice.
OPAL’s initiative to eradicate noxious weeds from OPAL owned lands.
OPAL owns nearly one hundred acres of land on the Orcas. Not only do we provide permanently affordable housing, but we also are deeply committed to the long-term health, sustainability and biodiversity of these lands. The land stewardship program plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals by ensuring responsible land management, combating invasive plant species, promoting native biodiversity and fostering community education. With your support, we will significantly enhance OPAL’s land stewardship efforts.
Invasive Species Management:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of invasive plant species present on OPAL properties and prioritize the most problematic ones.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive invasive species management plan, including strategies for eradication, control, and prevention.
- Organize volunteer programs and community engagement initiatives to raise awareness about invasive species and involve the local community in monitoring and removal efforts.
- Collaborate with experts to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in invasive species management.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the management efforts and make necessary adjustments.
Native Biodiversity Restoration:
- Identify degraded or disturbed areas that are suitable for habitat restoration.
- Select appropriate native plant species based on the ecological characteristics of the island and the needs of local wildlife.
- Establish native plantings in targeted areas, ensuring proper site preparation, planting techniques, and ongoing maintenance.
- Create wildlife corridors by connecting restored habitats, allowing for the movement of wildlife and promoting genetic diversity.
- Monitor the progress of restoration efforts, track changes in native species populations, and assess the overall improvement in ecosystem health.
Demographic/Number of People Served:
This project will primarily serve the islanders who own or rent a home on land owned by OPAL Community Land Trust and will also benefit all islanders and visitors. OPAL has a high degree of visibility and can model best practices for land stewardship that other islands may choose to emulate. By preserving and enhancing the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity, the project will benefit everyone who enjoys and depends on the island’s resources.
Timeline for Completion:
This is the first phase of a multiple year effort. The timeline will depend on several factors, including the scale of invasive species infestations, the extent of habitat restoration required, and the availability of resources. We are committed to the process to thoroughly implement, monitor, and adapt to ensure the long-term success of the land stewardship initiative.
NEED/ISSUE STATEMENT:
The community need/issue that our project seeks to address is the threat posed by invasive plant species and the degradation of native biodiversity on land owned and stewarded by OPAL Community Land Trust.
Invasive plant species can outcompete and displace native plants and animals, disrupting the delicate balance of the island’s ecosystem. This not only diminishes the ecological health of Orcas Island but also threatens the long-term sustainability and accessibility of its natural resources.
Our project aims to combat these challenges by collaborating with professional land managers and volunteers. We aim to create a thriving ecosystem that supports the health and resilience of the natural environment.
By solely focusing on OPAL’s land stewardship efforts, we will ensure responsible land management, combat invasive plant species, promote native biodiversity, and foster community education within our organization.
Civics Class Bench: A Very Special Senior Project
Maddox Davis’s senior project in his 2023 Civics class, taught by Phil Comito, was something he wanted to be special. As he began research to build the bench for an Eastsound park, he recalled an empty space at April’s Grove in the landscape designed by Robin Kuklick.
Prior to settling on his final design, Maddox explored many styles and designs of benches. He eventually chose a live edge board of maple and another of cedar. He wanted a black metal frame for the bench. His grandpa, Ron Griffin, helped him throughout the entire process.
The two of them sorted through Ron’s collection of wood, recycled steel, and much more at Ron’s landscaping business. Amid their search, they discovered some leftover Epa wood, which they decided would make perfect arms for the bench. Erin estimates it took 45 to 50 hours to build the bench after school and on weekends. And created a lifetime of memories.
Kidder Way Update: 10 New Homes Are on the Way – Hurray!
After two years of planning, designing, and fundraising, construction of this small neighborhood of townhomes off Mt. Baker Road will begin early next year. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to make this possible — the state Housing Trust Fund, the county Home Fund, and the more than 100 individual donors who have given so generously,” expressed Lisa Byers, OPAL executive director.
This fall, while land-use and building permits are being reviewed, the contractor bidding process is underway and one final grant application has been submitted to top up funding for what is OPAL’s first new construction of ownership homes in 10 years. With 40 pre-approved applicants waiting to buy an OPAL home, OPAL is innovating again with this new housing cluster. The development comprises five duplex-style two-story buildings. The mix will include five one-bedroom residences with lofts and five two-bedroom homes. Because of the duplex structures, this is OPAL’s first condominium project.
“We’ve taken advantage of everything we learned in building April’s Grove to make each home attractive, comfortable, healthy, and efficient,” explained Byers. Completion is anticipated by early 2025.
Picture Your Home!
‘I Love My Purple Door – Never Had One Before!’
Northern Heights resident Carol Gehlner is another Orcasonian with an amazing backstory revealing her versatile energy – a career ranging from teaching and coordinating education on military bases, to work for a UN affiliate, management of a chain of gift stores, radiology sales, condominium management and general contracting. “Plus, crewing and scheduling for a commercial yacht. I have had 55 years to do all of this and might be leaving something out,” Carol adds.
She says the contractor for the Northern Heights renovation, Dennison Construction, was wonderful, tidy, and efficient every day, and went beyond to help her move back into her renovated apartment.
They completed her new kitchen around the microwave oven which she had previously installed. And then there’s her walk-in shower! New flooring and bright new exterior paint.
Living on Orcas, Carol says, “you just kind of have to accept what you get.”
She was looking for other housing before the OPAL project, with no affordable options to be found online. But with Northern Heights’ purchase, OPAL did an excellent job of “keeping the spirit alive” throughout renovation of the 12 apartments. Tenants stayed in already-completed units while their apartments were rejuvenated. Now these homes are upgraded for sustainability, with such things as heat pumps, new windows and added insulation throughout. And hers is permanently affordable for her, enabling her to stay on Orcas.
Working with OPAL, you get the feeling that people really care about you.” – Carol Gehlner
Working with Carol and her neighbors, OPAL gets reminded daily about the difference we can make for our Orcas community.
Pea Patch Update: OPAL to Acquire Land This Fall
will take ownership of the Pea Patch property.
With approval by the boards of all four participating organizations, OPAL will become the new owner of the Pea Patch property in Eastsound, with the sale closing this fall.
Acquiring the 11-acre parcel, an effort initiated by the Community Foundation, marks the first step in an ongoing collaboration by the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center, and OPAL to address homelessness and provide a better safety net for islanders. The land will be a part of OPAL Community Land Trust, held in trust for the benefit of the Orcas community.
The land purchase and future coordinated efforts will offer a permanent, expanded home for the Food Bank, a new home for the Community Resource Center with convenient access to support services and a day-use center for islanders living in unstable or substandard situations, and 20 new affordable rentals for low- and very-low-income households, to be constructed by OPAL.
“The decision that OPAL assumes ownership speaks to the trust our fellow organizations have in us and in the community land trust model,” explained Lisa Byers, OPAL executive director. “It reflects our experience in owning and managing land on Orcas for 35 years. Taking this on goes to the very heart of our values of serving the needs of our community.”
The land purchase and future coordinated efforts will offer a permanent, expanded home for the Food Bank, a new home for the Community Resource Center with convenient access to support services and a day-use center for islanders living in unstable or substandard situations, and 20 new affordable rentals for low- and very-low-income households, to be constructed by OPAL.
Funding for the Pea Patch purchase came from private donations to OPAL and the Community Foundation, along with a low-interest loan from the state Housing Finance Commission. Pre-development activities are being supported by donations and grants, including one from San Juan County.
Taking this on goes to the very heart of our values of serving the needs of our community.”
— Executive Director Lisa Byers
Next Steps:
Governing Documents, a Steering Committee and an Open, Inclusive Design Process,
The next critical steps will involve drafting governing documents and establishing a steering committee. Then, meetings will be held with neighbors, community leaders, and islanders who have experienced housing instability to gather input and begin the design process. OPAL’s goal is to start housing construction in 2025.
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