FOCI_ Upcoming AGM & Need to Raise $15,000 for Core Expenses

Roy L Hales/Cortes Currents -The Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) needs to raise $15,000 for core operations, and is also inviting the community to their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, December 9, at 5 PM, at Manson’s Hall.  FOCI’s Executive Director, Helen Hall, explained, “We all live on this beautiful island which has rich forests, a stunning coastline and a host of endangered species, and  I think that's a big reason why people choose to live here -the natural beauty of the island. FOCI has a really important remit to protect and nurture that natural beauty for future generations.”  Cortes Currents:  FOCI has just published its 2025 Annual Report—a look back at a year full of on-the-ground conservation and community projects. What have you been doing? Helen Hall: 2025 was a very busy year for us. We have been doing everything from doing a whole island beach cleanup in the spring to maintaining all the regional parks and trails. We’ve helped create a really amazing wetland at the Cortes Island School. FOCI has been continuing to work on the Dillon Creek Wetland, which is helping to reduce the nutrients going into Hague and Gunflint Lakes.  We've also been doing some important marine work. FOCI just launched a program protecting the vital eelgrass beds around Cortes. We've been also working to try and prevent a very invasive species getting hold in Manson's Lagoon, which is the European green Crab.”