Friends of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL)

06/17/2026

Drop in to the Forest Discovery Center between 10 am and 1 pm on Saturday, June 27th to make collage animals with us! Enjoy downtown festivities during the Whale of a Sale as we dive into some nature art and explore how whales are connected to the forest.
All materials provided. No RSVP needed!

06/12/2026

This month, we’ll explore the mysteries of the old growth forest at the south end of Heart Lake! Wander through towering stands of Douglas-fir and western redcedar, and appreciate the work of the community that protected them.

https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/upcomingactivities/june-senior-stroll-2

06/11/2026

Join Friends of the ACFL and certified mindfulness teacher Karissa Sellman at Heart Lake as we take a gentle, meditative approach to being with nature. We will practice engaging all of our senses, cultivating a relaxed embodied awareness while connecting deeply with the forest around Heart Lake. Please bring a bottle of water, juice, or tea for some mindful sipping and consider leaving your phone at home.

Note: We will spend some time walking very slowly, which can challenge one’s usual sense of balance. You may wish to bring a walking stick or hiking pole for added support.

About your guest instructor:
Karissa Sellman, CMT-P, has practiced Zen meditation for more than 20 years and is deeply curious about mind-body-spirit connections. Since completing training at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center in 2017, she has led private workshops, facilitated public drop-in groups, and offered meditation mentoring sessions to individuals. She lives near Little Cranberry Lake and loves hearing the neighborhood eagles and owls.

RSVP: https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/upcomingactivities/community-hike-forest-mindfulness

06/09/2026

Join us (and many other shops downtown) for a Whale of a Sale!

06/07/2026

06/05/2026

On Monday evening, our board member, Jerry Ladd, on our behalf, had the pleasure of awarding the incredibly brilliant Amelie Harper with our scholarship through the Anacortes Schools Foundation at their awards ceremony.

Amelie has always been fascinated by nature, both flora and fauna, but particularly the wildlife. When she's not taking in the outdoor world, Amelie has enjoyed being a part of the math team and has been in drama all four years. With a 3.96 GPA, Amelie should excel next year at Western Washington University, where she will study environmental science and pursue a career in a conservation/sustainability field.

Our staff & board offer our sincerest congratulations to Amelie! We wish her all the best in her studies and career!

And thank you to the Anacortes Schools Foundation for making it so easy for organizations like ours to support our local youth with continuing their education!

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

We love Mount Erie!

Washington's Fidalgo Island is home to a forested mountain full of picturesque hiking trails, at the peek of which you'll enjoy stunning lake views.

06/02/2026

Huge thank you to our very talented business & board member, Jerry Ladd, of Ladd Woodworks for the custom desk for our Forest Discovery Center!Huge thank you to our very talented business & board member, Jerry Ladd, of Ladd Woodworks, for the custom desk for our Forest Discovery Center!

Catch us sitting at the desk during our Forest Discovery Center open hours: Tues-Thurs, 10am-2pm and for special events and programs!

📍404 Commercial Ave, Anacortes