Exploring Ebey’s Landing with Members of Seattle’s Chinese Community

Photographed by Ling LV & Shengyuan Zhang

Xinying Zeng is on a mission to connect members of Seattle’s Chinese community with The Nature Conservancy both here and in China.

She recently partnered with community organization Chinese Meet Seattle to lead a hike at Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island, where the Conservancy owns the Robert Y. Pratt Preserve.

“The hike was great, with around 50 people joining,” Xinying reports. “They were appreciative of the trip and information our volunteers provided.”

The Conservancy has an active program in China, as well as a Mandarin-language web site.

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Helping My Kids Fall in Love With Nature

A summer spent growing up in the great outdoors

Written and Photographed by Adam Runions, Deputy Director of
Philanthropy

I determined that this would be the summer in which my kids get to walk deeper into nature. My middle child is 5, and I wanted to throw a spark and see if it ignited an interest, a little fascination in the outdoors.

I also wanted to show him what he is capable of. Teaching him about carrying what you need, getting comfortable with the exposure of the night sky, a myriad new sounds and the sensation of wading into a dark lake. These little strides feel big, and can become the foundation for a healthy sense of independence.

Outfitted with a little backpack, a platypus, and a good stick, he made the trek up to Independence Lake (on Independence Day). I’m glad he did!