One of the new signs designed for the new preserve on Marrowstone Island.
The new preserve on Marrowstone Island is that much closer to being ready to open to the public in late June. The preserve has been named (Chai-yahk-wh Preserve), the signs have been designed and ordered, a trailhead kiosk is being built by a local eagle scout, and we’re getting bids from contractors to build the trailhead parking lot.
And on May 14, we’re hosting a work party (RSVP required) to begin building a trail that will allow visitors to experience the preserve’s mature forest. This boundary trail will also showcase nearby farms and connect with popular walking routes. If you’re interested in helping, register for the event by clicking here.
How did we name the preserve? We often name preserves in a way that reflects something — often a geographic or ecological feature — about the place. We looked at the features that define the new preserve and it is really the mature forest on a bluff that stands out for us. Meaning “to be in the forest up away from the water,” the S’Klallam word “čáy̕əqʷ” seemed to fit this special place perfectly.
After discovering the word in the Klallam language dictionary, we worked with S’Klallam tribe language experts to develop an English (Anglicized) version of the word that we could use to name the preserve. What they came up with is “Chai-yahk-wh” and they also explained that the final “wh” is a gentle sound like that made when blowing out a candle.
Richard Tucker, the Land Trust’s executive director, is excited to have chosen a S’Klallam word to name this preserve that was protected with the help of so many community members. “Much like the S’Klallam tribes, we work to be good stewards of the land we protect so that it benefits and sustains our community — both wildlife and human.”
If you’re interested in helping build the trail but can’t make it to the work party in May, there will be another one on Tuesday, June 11 that you can RSVP for.
