The Whidbey Camano Land Trust announced it must raise $314,450 by Sept. 30 in order to purchase 420 feet of low-bank beach and forested uplands at Glendale on southeast Whidbey.

The beach is at the mouth of Glendale Creek, one of only two salmon streams on Whidbey, according to a Land Trust press release.

Three adjacent properties came on the market simultaneously, giving the Land Trust a unique opportunity to acquire and protect a rare stretch of accessible Whidbey beach.

The Land Trust plans to own and manage the properties and Island County will simply acquire a conservation easement that removes all development rights and ensures permanent public beach access.  This same ownership model has succeeded with the 654-acre Trillium Community Forest located just north of Freeland.

Island County has applied for two state grants to purchase the conservation easement. If awarded, the state grants will cover all but $500,000 of the project’s $1.5 million total cost.

The Land Trust plans to open the Glendale beach access next summer after the state grants are awarded, the site is made safe, and parking and other facilities are established. At that time, the beach will be available to the public for swimming, fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, or simply enjoying spectacular views across Possession Sound.

The Land Trust said it will also work with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to carry out shoreline restoration work.

To donate, go to www.wclt.org or call 360-222-3310.