This month, we’re celebrating a project that brings the prairies of the San Juan Islands back to life! With a $107,310 WWRP – State Lands Restoration & Enhancement grant, Washington State Parks restored 120 acres of grassland balds and prairie habitat at Moran State Park on Orcas Island and Jones Island Marine State Park. The project officially closed this month, marking a major milestone for prairie restoration in the north Puget Sound.
These native prairie communities face threats from encroaching trees and invasive plants – but the project tackled those threats head-on. WA State Parks removed unwanted trees, controlled invasive species, and reintroduced native prairie plants through careful seeding and planting. Using restoration strategies proven in the southern Puget Sound and Willamette Valley, the project builds on past successes and strengthens partnerships across the region.
Moran State Park is a gem in the heart of Orcas Island. With miles of hiking trails and scenic lakes, campgrounds, biking paths, horseback riding, and the spectacular views atop Mt. Constitution, it continues to delight visitors of all kinds.
Jones Island Marine State Park offers a wilder adventure. Accessible only by boat, the island features untamed beaches, cliffside campsites, and friendly black-tail deer (though feeding them is a no-no!). With four miles of trails and 24 primitive campsites, it welcomes paddlers, hikers, and wildlife watchers alike.
By restoring these prairies, this project maintains the ecological health of Washington’s treasured state lands. Grassland balds and prairie habitats are not just beautiful – they support a wide array of plants and animals. Thanks to WWRP, these landscapes will thrive once again.
Whether you’re exploring Moran or paddling to Jones Island, take a moment to appreciate the prairie restoration work that helps these islands flourish – proof that when nature is cared for, it truly flourishes.
WWRP – State Lands Restoration & Enhancement
The WWRP State Lands Restoration and Enhancement grant category provides funding to state agencies to help repair damaged plant and animal habitat. These grants focus on resource preservation and protection of public lands. Projects in this category help bring important natural areas and resources back to their original functions by improving the self-sustaining and ecological functionality of sites.