On July 7, 19 years and 364 days from the day that Bill Fisher put pen to paper and signed the deed that conveyed his property over to the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, islanders are invited to come together at the Open Space to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his gift, Fisher Pond.

At the time, the Land Trust was working to protect the Shinglemill Creek Watershed, from its headwaters at Fisher Pond to the estuary at Fern Cove, which had been protected in 1994. As one of only a few remaining salmon-bearing creeks in King County, it was more than just a beautiful place. It was rare and valuable salmon habitat. The full protection of the watershed was a complicated and ambitious project for the young Land Trust, which in 1998 was only 8 years old and had one part-time staff member. A committed board and group of volunteers worked tirelessly to build and gain support for the Shinglemill project.

The success of the project, supported greatly by Bill Fisher’s generosity, was a landmark moment for the Land Trust, the Shinglemill Creek watershed and the community. For Fisher, it meant that the parcels he began acquiring in 1966 would remain intact and protected in perpetuity as a nature preserve. He continued to live on the property until his death in 2003.

On July 7, guests will be treated to dinner and a celebratory program hosted by Kevin Joyce and Martha Enson, as well as a small art auction composed of eight original works inspired by the pond and created by island artists to commemorate the anniversary.

The Backwoods Black Tie Gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. July 7. For more information, including to purchase tickets, which are $50, see vashonlandtrust.org.