events & news

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Volunteer as a Lighthouse Docent or Trail Crew Member in 2023

Want to come out to Patos Island and volunteer your skills as a lighthouse docent or member of our trail maintenance crew? We offer free transportation on a Washington State Parks boat to and from the island from Brandt’s Landing on Orcas Island. As a Docent you’ll pre-register for a specific date (on weekends from Memorial Day-Labor Day) and get training from our seasonal crew. You’ll bring your own camping gear and pitch your tent in the beautiful docent  campsite on the bluff overlooking Active Cove. You’ll open the lighthouse for several hours each day and welcome visitors to view our historical and cultural exhibits. You’ll have plenty of free time to wander the trails, observe nature, and take photos. It’s a very enjoyable way to spend a day (or several).

Work party members go out to the island via state park boats on specific days- once a month throughout the spring and summer. As part of the crew you’ll keep island trails passable and mow the field near the lighthouse. This is a cool way to check out seasonal wildflowers and spot wildlife, including marine mammals. You’ll leave Orcas Island in the morning, have lunch at the lighthouse, then return to Orcas by mid afternoon. 

Being on Patos is a unique and wonderful experience. Plus, all 2023 KOPL volunteers will receive a beautiful embroidered patch to wear on a favorite cap, jacket or backpack.

Interested? 

2023 Work Party Dates: April 26 & 27 Wake Up the Island camp-out 

Day trips:  May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 21

Docent Application Deadline:  

April 15

Miguel Villareal served as KOPL’s Board Secretary. He passed away in July, 2022, leaving a huge hole in our hearts. 

This short video (password is "Bill") is of William "Patos Bill" LaVergne who was stationed on Patos Island in 1952-53 during the Korean War and lived in the original keepers quarters. Bill also served as Vice President and Chairman of the flagpole committee. Patos Bill passed away peacefully on November 27, 2022.