Pacific Northwest Pictorial

Bessner Barn Nestled in the serene embrace of Guemes Island lies a vibrant valley, a haven nurtured by the industrious hands—or rather, teeth—of beavers. This wetlands area is more than a picturesque locale; it’s a living, thriving ecosystem where wildlife flourishes, thanks to the dam-building efforts of these remarkable beavers. The Guemes Mountain Valley Conservation Area encompasses over 400 acres of public and private land on Guemes, all designated for conservation purposes. The Guemes Mountain and Valley Conservation was preserved through an extraordinary collaboration the Skagit Land Trust , the San Juan Preservation Trust , and the residents of Guemes Island. Hundreds of donors generously contributed to safeguarding this treasure of the islands. Here’s a closer look at some fantastic creatures I photographed from this beaver-engineered paradise. The Avian Ensemble The Song Sparrow, with its melodic tunes, can often be seen flitting amidst the reeds, while the Pine Siskin adds a...