A Freeland Wetlands Preserve opening and appreciation ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, behind Petosa Corner.

Friends of Freeland is deeding the forested 46-acre trail and wetlands to the Whidbey Watershed Stewards, a non-profit organization with a mission to promote near-shore and watershed health by linking water, land and people through education, outreach and restoration.

“It is a Freeland jewel very close to the central business district allowing residents, workers and visitors to enjoy an out-doors forested trail experience along with viewing wildlife in the expansive wetlands,” according to a Friends of Freeland news release.

Friends of Freeland, also an non-profit group, started in 2001 in a last-ditch effort to save these wetlands along Newman and Double Bluff Roads, plus the forest adjacent to Highway 525 and Scott Road.

Saturday’s event offers a guided walk and a chance to learn about the vision for expanded educational and recreational use of the wetlands preserve.

Parking is along Newman Road or the one-vehicle parking lot. For details, call Bill Frederick at 360-331-4615 or email him at fredaa@whidbey.com