To the editor:

Perhaps no one knows the value of saving open space better than an urban transplant. Ten years ago my husband Simon and

I pulled up stakes from Orange County, Calif., a region once known for its beautiful orange groves and pristine coastal wilderness areas. Today Orange County is largely paved-over in concrete, and areas thought valuable only to wildlife have been decimated nevertheless. No habitat, no wildlife.

Just before we left, we remarked with irony that invariably new developments name their streets for the wildlife whose native habitats their houses, roads, mini malls and parking lots replace: “Gnatcatcher Lane,” “Coyote Circle,” “Indian Paintbrush Way.” How sad.

But coming to Whidbey Island renewed our spirits and restored our commitment to open-space preservation. If we don’t spare special areas now, before we know it they’ll be gone too, even here in rural Island County.

So, it’s wonderful that Whidbey Camano Land Trust — a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of open spaces — has been given a 90-day extension to come up with remaining funds needed to purchase the open space known as “Trillium Woods.”

To all who have contributed, we say, “Well done!” We hope that our modest contribution is multiplied sufficiently to close the gap between what we have, and what we need to save, for generations to come, this especially lovely region.

The clock is ticking, but there is still time. Please visit www.savetheforestnow.org and click on the donate button. It’s that simple.

Sharen Heath

Langley