We’re thankful for the gifts that nature gives us

On a chill winter day, tens of thousands of white snow geese swirl around the fields of Skagit valley. Flocks of peopleβ€”photographers, birdwatchers, and familiesβ€”have come to witness this noisy cloud of elegant birds.

They come to be inspired by the snow geese, to imagine the birds’ epic migration and see them gather in what is surely a welcome refuge. One child holds her dad’s binoculars to her eyes. She marvels at the snow geese’s vast numbers and laughs at the racket they make. She smiles up at her father. They’ll always remember this moment together. It’s a lasting gift from nature.

A tapestry of such gifts, spiritual and physical, constantly showers us in the Pacific Northwest. The soothing, minty hush of an old growth forest is a gift from nature. So are the exhilaration of sailing across Puget Sound on an emerald afternoon, the freedom of hiking along a Cascade ridge radiant with wildflowers, or the joy of splashing our toes in the surf of a wild Olympic beach. 

Nature rewards us even in the city. A delicate meal of chinook salmon reminds us, as it has reminded Native Americans for centuries, of our region’s natural bounty and the salmon’s soul-centering place in northwest culture and ecology. Our brilliant summer skies, our clear streams and air, the rhythm of tides are gifts, too. These are the reasons many of us live here.

In Washington, we don’t even have to be hiking or eating salmon to appreciate nature’s generosity. Anytime we glimpse Mt. Rainier or watch those luxuriant, water-giving clouds roll over the Cascade foothills, we are momentarily lifted from the routine of commutes, computers and meetings.

As we settle in for winter, the change of season brings another gift: the chance to slow down and give thanks to nature for the richness it provides us here, from the food we eat to the moments, big and small, that surround and rejuvenate us.

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Photo by John Marshall.

Photo by John Marshall.

Photo by Keith Lazelle.

Photo by Keith Lazelle.

 Photo by Leah Kintner.

 Photo by Leah Kintner.

Photo by Julie Morse.

Photo by Julie Morse.

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The gifts we give for nature can change our world

The relationship between people and nature is the foundation of our region’s identity and prosperity. For thousands of years, the rich resources and natural beauty of Washington have supported a wealth of natural resources and diverse cultures and economies.

Today, we face extraordinary challenges. Climate change and our growing population place unprecedented demands on nature. Without our help, the enormous gifts that nature gives us are at risk.

But, there is much we can do to meet today’s challenges and create a future where people and nature both thrive.

Your gifts to The Nature Conservancy protect treasured places and help iconic wildlife like elk, salmon and orcas thrive. Your gifts can transform forestry, fishing and water management practices so our natural resources will continue to sustain us. Your gifts can inspire renewed commitment to caring for these lands and waters that our lives depend on.

With your support, we can:

  • Make Washington cities and towns more resilient and livable by bringing in the power of nature, through the development of green infrastructure
  • Protect and restore rivers and lakes to ensure that clean water flows to our cities, communities and farms
  • Reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to communities that live near forests, while lowering fire suppression costs
  • Support sustainable fisheries in Washington and around the world
  • Care for more than 50 properties, encompassing more than 105,000 acres throughout Washington

We are immensely grateful for the continued support of members like you who give gifts that make a difference for people and nature.


Learn more about our work