Letterboxing is an old English tradition dating back to 1854 where people began leaving self-addressed post cards or notes in a jar, hoping for them to be returned in the mail by the next visitor.

Today we’ve adapted this tradition and put it to use at three of our partner trails. Each trail gives kids of all ages an exciting opportunity to explore our local watersheds and have fun while doing so. With the clue sheet you will discover letterbox stations and can then qualify for prizes.

All you need is a clue sheet, pen/pencil, outdoor attire, a smart phone (unless you want to unplug) and a sense of adventure!

LETTERBOXING STEPS:

Step 1.  Print the Clue Sheet HERE and bring it with you to the trails.

Step 2. Pick a trail and navigate there:

1. Padilla Bay Upland Trail: 10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
2. Pomona Grange Trail: 5550-5720 Old Hwy 99 North Rd, Burlington, WA 98233
3. Utopia Trail: 28057-28193 Utopia Rd. Sedro Woolley WA, 98284. (Follow Hwy 20 east from Sedro-Woolley. Turn right onto Hoehn Road. Turn left onto Utopia Road and travel about 1/4 mile, the Utopia Conservation Area is on the right. Look for the Skagit Land Trust sign on a gate. Parking is available on the shoulder and in front of the gate.) Careful, this trail is muddy fun!

Step 3. Hit the trails! Follow the clues to find the Letterbox Stations. When you find a Letterbox Station, draw something you see around you on the clue sheet to mark your discoveries. For extra fun, bring your smart phone to scan the QR codes!

Step 4. Once you visit at least two trails, scan or send a photo of your clue sheet to be entered to win a prize! Email: cwaterskagit@gmail.com by October 4, 2020. 

BEFORE YOU GO:

•  Clue Sheets are only available digitally. Make sure to print before you head to the trails.
• Dress accordingly. The Utopia Conservation Area is part of a wetland  and we recommend you wear mud ready shoes/boots.
• Research the trail and areas to gain awareness of your surroundings

BEST PRACTICES FOR THE TRAIL:

• DO NOT TOUCH the Letterbox Stations. Practice social distancing guidelines.  The safety of you and other letterboxers is of upmost importance.
• Adhere to all posted signs at each trail.
• Leave no trace and be respectful of Mother Nature.
• Use caution along the trails. Be aware of your surroundings and the creatures that inhabit the trails.

THE FOLLOWING TRAILS WILL HAVE LETTERBOX STATIONS AWAITING YOUR ARRIVAL:

The Padilla Bay Reserve is nestled just north of the quiet community of Bay View, WA. Here in the heart of the Salish Sea, they study and protect a massive eelgrass meadow. At more than 8,000 acres, it's the second largest on North America's Pacific Coast.

Padilla Bay is one of 29 sites in the National Estuarine Research Reserve system established to protect coastal areas for long-term research, monitoring and education, and stewardship.

Directions: 10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mt Vernon, WA 98273

Pomona Grange Park is one of many Skagit County Parks. Located 3.5 miles off Cook Road on Old HWY 99, this park has two trails. The first trail is approximately 1/4 mile and has 18 interpretative signs of local plants and trees. The second trail,1/8 mile, is adjacent to Friday Creek and leads to the Washington State Fish Hatchery. One of the cedar nurse stumps has five species of trees growing from it! The trail also  has a footbridge that gives one access to Friday Creek. In fall of the year, salmon can be seen spawning there.    

Directions: 5550-5720 Old Hwy 99 North Rd, Burlington, WA 98233

Welcome to Utopia Conservation Area! This property is owned by the Skagit Land Trust and protects over 87 acres of creeks, wetlands, and forested habitat in the Skagit River floodplain.

This property was acquired primarily to protect salmon habitat in the creeks and the Skagit River. Prior to the Land Trust purchase, the land had likely been used for grazing and hay production. Plans for the property include restoration of the lowland forest and understory as seen in the   numerous tree plantings throughout the property. 

Directions: 28057- 28193 Utopia Rd. Sedro Woolley WA, 98284. 

Follow Hwy 20 east from Sedro-Woolley. Turn right onto Hoehn Road . Turn left onto Utopia Road and travel about 1/4 mile, the Utopia Conservation Area is on the right. Look for the Skagit Land Trust sign on a gate. Parking is available on the shoulder and in front of the gate. 

If you can't get out to the trails, or want to continue learning from home, below are digital copies of each Letterbox Station that we placed out along the trails. 

Padilla Bay Upland Trail: 

Pomona Grange Park Trail:

Utopia Conservation Area Trail: