The leaves are starting to fall, and you can feel the transition in the air. The cold is settling in at the edges of the day, even as the sunny days keep showing up, golden and bright, as if they haven't quite gotten the memo. It's the kind of weather that makes me want to curl up by the fire with a good book and my coziest sweater after a brisk hike in the forest. It's also a meaningful time to reflect on what we're grateful for.
Thank you, truly, to everyone who joined us at the gala last month. So much care went into bringing the evening to life in Thomas Berry Hall, and seeing it all come together, with our community gathered on this land, was beautiful. Thank you for showing up, for sharing the evening with us, and for being the heart of this place.
Now, a few updates on the work ahead.
Parking lot restoration: Restoration will proceed soon, pending assessment from our geotech and a design to follow. We're working closely with the County for permission and doing everything we can to make sure the winter rains don't bring more damage. The wetland slope has already been hand graded, laid with waffling and fabric for stabilization, and planted with native plants, including Western Red Cedar. We're taking the time to follow the correct steps, including County and SEPA regulations, out of care for the environment and for restoring the wetland in a generative way after last winter's landslide.
Septic upgrade at Thomas Berry Hall: We're also preparing for a large septic system upgrade, which is required to keep our kitchen operation permit in good standing for 2027. We've been sampling and monitoring to inform the design, and once we get our permit in hand, we look forward to having the work completed before the new year.
Any contributions will help make these projects feasible without impacting our operations, especially the septic system upgrade, which will impact our work if we don't proceed. Donations can be made at any time. If anyone in the community would like to know more about these projects, I'm happy to answer questions directly.
Please reach out: madisun@whidbeyinstitute.org
I'm so grateful for all of you, and thankful for this community and your support. Samhain and Halloween are right around the corner. Did you know? - Samhain (pronounced SOW-in or SAH-win) is an ancient Gaelic harvest festival celebrated from the evening of October 31 to November 1 that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. I hope you'll reflect on who you want to be and how you want to show up in your community: strong, influential, supportive.
What can you be proud of that's more than a costume on Hallows Eve?
Blessings and warmth to this cozy fall, cheers.