Meet Matt Axling, Our New Yellow Island Steward

“You can’t see the entire world from the top of Everest. ... The view from there only reminds you how big the world is and how much more there is to see and learn.”  — Tenzing Norgay

Matt Axling

As the Yellow Island Steward, Matt is responsible for maintaining the unique Yellow Island prairie ecosystem, monitoring the Marine Protected Area around Yellow Island and welcoming visitors.  He draws on his background in environmental education and outdoor recreation to implement conservation and stewardship projects that are based on science and achieve tangible results.  

Before coming to the Nature Conservancy, Matt ran outdoor education and environment education programs for urban youth in Seattle and Albuquerque. He has led trips throughout the Pacific Northwest, American Southwest, Norway and Argentina.  He comes from a long line of islanders with multigenerational ties to Bainbridge Island and the San Juan Islands. In his free time, Matt enjoy kayaking, photography and traveling. 

Explore Yellow Island

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BIPOC Outdoors: Earth Day on Yellow Island
BIPOC Outdoors: Earth Day on Yellow Island

Photo by Cameron Kersten

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Celebrating Summer on Yellow Island

With the fall equinox behind us, there’s no better way to celebrate the end of summer than reflecting back on what a beautiful summer it was on Yellow Island.

The Yellow Island Experience
The Yellow Island Experience

"Hey, that island looks pretty yellow. That must be it!" I hear someone cheer over the wind.

Yellow Island Trees
Yellow Island Trees

In the Pacific Northwest, Yellow Island is known as a grassy prairie filled with spring wildflowers. The island isn’t prominently known for its trees. But if you look up, you might see some!

San Juan Islands - Yellow Island and the islands beyond
San Juan Islands - Yellow Island and the islands beyond

Less widely known is the fact that The Nature Conservancy also stewards three other islands in the San Juan Islands and holds the conservation easement on a fourth island. Each month, I hop in the Conservancy’s trusty aunty green boat, to check on these islands and monitor the flora and fauna throughout the year.

Come with me on a quick tour of the Conservancy’s San Juan Island properties. Along the way, I’ll highlight the works of a few local authors who have written about the area.

How Are Sea Stars Doing?
How Are Sea Stars Doing?

A research trip to our Yellow Island preserve reveals the ongoing threat of sea star wasting disease.

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Meet Matt Axling, Our New Yellow Island Steward

“You can’t see the entire world from the top of Everest…..The view from there only reminds you how big the world is and how much more there is to see and learn.” 

Reflections on My Time on Yellow Island
Reflections on My Time on Yellow Island

My legacy that I'm proud of is that I inspired others to appreciate and work to protect the environment.

What Makes a King Tide High and Mighty?
What Makes a King Tide High and Mighty?

The recent king tides were not as overwhelming as predicted. Phil Green goes into the science behind why.

An Update on Remote San Juan Islands Left to Nature
An Update on Remote San Juan Islands Left to Nature

Our Yellow Island steward gives us a peek into how other San Juan island preserves are doing with minimal management. What has Mother Nature been up to?

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