In Memoriam: Joe Yaver, who passed away last November 29, 2016, spearheaded for many years the efforts to save Chuckanut Ridge as an urban park for the people of Bellingham. He lived to see it. For decades, Joe urged mayors and city officials to behave in responsible ways toward our environment. He kept to the fire the feet of concerned citizens, and he spared himself no labor to promote sound civic policy. Those who loved him have long cherished the hope that someday, somewhere in the forest, hikers will find a space cleared for a bench, with the marker “Joe’s Place.”

In Memoriam: Robyn du Pre, who passed away in March of 2015, was on the steering committee that led to the creation of the Chuckanut Community Forest Park District. She and her husband, Dan Remsen, guided and inspired hundreds of people to work on turning the Hundred Acre Woods into one of Bellingham’s finest parks. Robyn’s efforts to protect the people of northwestern Washington and the ecosystems they depend on were recognized far and wide. Her wit, her warmth, her determination to serve the public good will long be remembered. Happy Trails, beautiful spirit!