HOW TO CARE FOR AN ISLAND

“You have to be more careful with an island.”

Eleanor Howard
retired San Juan County Commissioner

WE ARE OFFICIALLY A “LEAVE NO TRACE” COUNTY.

The aspects of life of Lopez that resonate with residents as well as visitors, are the rolling farmlands, serene woodlands and picturesque open spaces with shimmering vistas. Many of these areas are ecologically fragile and we are very conscious of our impact on our natural resources. Water is finite, wild fires are disastrous, and recycling is hard-wired into our DNA. We are particularly aware that Lopez is part of the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples and honor with gratitude their stewardship over generations of the land and sea. We commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of this precious landscape.

Listen to what Island Kids say about Trash; Respecting Wildlife; Fire Safety

PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE VISIT

EXPERIENCE LOPEZ BY BIKE

Leave your car and experience Lopez Island by bicycle. Have you bikes delivered to the ferry landing if you decide to leave your car at the mainland.

BRING AN EV

Lopez Island Library – 2225 Fisherman Bay Rd.

Ark Veterinary Clinic – 262 Weeks Rd.

Lopez Village Market – 162 Weeks Rd.

Southend General Store – 3024 Mud Bay Rd.

Lopez Island Land Trust – 25 Tuatara Rd.

REUSEABLE BAGS

Bring your own reusable bags to our local shops and grocery stores.

REUSABLE BOTTLES AND CULINARY SETS

Bring your own reusable bottles and culinary sets to help eliminate single-use plastics.

TRASH YOUR TRASH
AND PICK UP POOP

Take your trash and pet poop with you. Keep soaps, human and pet waste out of the Salish waters. Public trash, recycling, and bathrooms is located in the Village – it is the gray cement building to the right of Isabel’s Espresso.

PUBLIC TRASH, RECYCLING AND RESTROOMS

Public trash, recycling, and bathrooms is located in the Village – it is the grey cement building to the right of Isabel’s Espresso. Household garbage bags and recycling must be dropped off at the Dump located at 2419 Fisherman Bay Rd.

STICK TO TRAILS AND USE DESIGNATED OVERNIGHT CAMPING SITES

Respect Private Property signs and use established public trails. You can find public beach access via the map.

REFILL YOUR WATER BOTTLE

Water bottle refill stations can be found at:

To the right when you enter. Available during business hours: Varies Seasonally

Next to the bathrooms. Available during business hours:
Friday 11am – 3pm. Tues – Wed 10am – 2pm

On counter next to the coffee. Available during business hours

Waiting to be installed! Once installed it will be next to the bathrooms and available 24/7

Waiting to be installed! Once installed it will be next to the bathrooms and available 24/7

CHECK AND PREPARE

Know about weather, tides, currents and travel challenges.

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRES

Only build fires in designated fire pits in public campgrounds. An illegal fire could be disastrous given the remote location of many of the natural sites open to the public. Please help us protect our island by not having fires in any of our day parks/public lands.

LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT

Leave nature in nature.

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

Don’t feed the wildlife and keep pets leased so they don’t disturb animals and nests.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

Make room on trails for others; avoid yelling or loud music. Care for the limited water supply by consciously conserving how much you use.

A NOTE ABOUT FARM AND FARM STANDS

Please keep in mind when visiting public farms and farm stands you are entering a space in which people work and live. Be mindful of where you walk and keep to the designated public areas, never entering private space, homes, or yards. Remember to grab a gift for yourself and a friend when leaving the farm stand! Thank you for respecting our agricultural community here on Lopez Island.