The Island County Commissioners are placing an advisory vote on the November 2026 general election ballot to “ban consumer fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Island County.”  This would include our two Important Bird Areas: Deer Lagoon Preserve and Crockett Lake. 

Whidbey Audubon has joined a coalition of local citizens, businesses, nonprofits and environmental groups supporting a yes vote on this measure.

In this letter, Carlos Andersen shares his concerns regarding the recently released draft/proposed Island County Comprehensive Plan updates and encourages members to comment on the current plan.

While dogs and wildlife have co-existed for many years in the off-leash area at Greenbank Farm, there has been a noticeable increase in dogs digging up, pursuing, and killing small mammals over the past year.

The Whidbey Audubon Society Conservation Committee has added two new projects: investigating decreased water levels at Crockett Lake and securing a site for the Motus tower.

Carlos Anderson shares updates on the Conservation Committee’s work to preserve Deer Lagoon this summer, including putting up additional Important Bird Area signs at the Preserve and advocating for a burn ban that would limit the fireworks use that harms American White Pelicans and Bald Eagles.

This July, Whidbey Audubon’s Conservation Committee piloted a new program to help protect bald eagle nests—especially those with vulnerable fledglings—from the impacts of fireworks. Signs posted near nests raised public awareness, encouraged reporting of violations, and provided added protection during the holiday season. The pilot was a success and will return next year.

Linda Rhodes writes about the importance of this new designation and describes how to become a volunteer Adopt-a-Park steward.

Conservation Committee Chair Jackie Lasater shares updates about the Kelp Forest Protection Bill and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and a call for help identifying who removed an Osprey nest from a Greenbank telephone pole.