Aiston Preserve (Lummi Island Quarry) Restoration

The Story of Aiston Preserve (Lummi Island Quarry)

Starting in the 1930s, companies began mining this section of Lummi Island for rock to use in breakwaters and for gravel. This mining continued off and on for nearly 100 years when, in 2015, Lummi Island Heritage Trust (LIHT) purchased the land to be restored. The Salish Sea Alliance and LIHT worked with partners to design and implement a restoration plan that would recover natural processes and habitat for the important island ecosystems and connected marine habitat. 

Restoration proceeded in phases, with the removal of the pier, dock and 70 pilings in 2021, followed by the restoration of the beach through the removal of existing fill, armor, and regrading of the shoreline in 2022 and 2023. Mining debris, equipment, and structures were removed. Shallow water habitat was created through the enhancement of pocket beaches and development of a marine riparian zone. Major replanting efforts established nearly 1,000 native trees and woody shrubs throughout the quarry floor and nearshore area. This has helped to accomplish a key goal of connecting the nearshore to the upland area in order to restore lost habitat. The site was renamed Aiston Preserve to reflect its new purpose: providing habitat for the wonderful species that call our Salish Sea home. 

COLLABORATORS: Restoring Aiston Preserve was made possible by collaboration with Lummi Island Heritage Trust, Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC), Whatcom County Parks and Recreation, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. Engineering design services were provided by Anchor AES and Confluence Environmental. Construction support was provided by Quigg Bros, Culbertson Marine and Strider Construction. 

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Relevant Resources 

Lummi Island Heritage Trust Website: LUMMI ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST 

FUNDERS: US Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program, Rose Foundation, Estuary & Salmon Restoration Program, North American Wetlands Conservation Act (through Ducks Unlimited), and Whatcom County.