Generations of Loving Whatcom County

Rain or shine, the Conner Family can often be found exploring Land Trust properties in matching Xtratfu boots. On this cloudy November morning, they ventured to one of their favorite spots –  Point Whitehorn – where they often explore the towering coastal forest, watch sunsets among the tidepools, and practice the art of skipping rocks.

The Conner family became involved with the Land Trust through Matt’s father, Dennis Conner (1952-2020), a longtime Whatcom County park ranger who managed Hovander Park for 38 years before becoming Whatcom Land Trust’s Volunteer Coordinator “Extraordinaire.” His passion and support for the work done at the Land Trust left a lasting impression on his family, inspiring his son Matt to carry on the tradition of stewardship alongside his wife Courtney and their children, Chloe and Jack. 

“He inspired our entire family to think of ways to give back and the importance of protecting land so that it will always be there for people in the future,” Matt explains. 

For Courtney, there is a sense of security in knowing that places like Point Whitehorn are being protected forever. “We’ve raised our kids, in these places, on trails, and out here on the coastline” Courtney reflects. “It has created a special bond amongst the four of us,” Matt adds.

Matt and Courtney have helped protect and preserve these special places as monthly donors to Whatcom Land Trust for the past 10 years. “Anyone considering the Land Trust and whether or not to throw your support behind it, it is a worthy cause to give you time, talent, and treasure to,” says Matt.