(Edmonds - WA) The City of Edmonds is inviting our community to help raise funds to purchase a wildlife viewing scope for the Edmonds Marsh in honor of Bill Anderson, beloved wildlife photographer and advocate for Marsh preservation. Donations will be accepted by the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services September 10th through October 31st, 2021, with installation of the scope planned for spring 2022.
Bill Anderson passed away on February 2 2021, having spent decades of service to the Edmonds community. He was a founding member of the Puget Sound Bird Fest Planning Committee, a leader within the Special Olympics, and generously shared his beautiful photos as an advocate for Marsh preservation. Bill’s work gave us a better understanding of the wildlife that could be found in the Marsh, and how that community changes throughout the seasons.
On most days, you could find Bill at the Marsh photographing birds and other wildlife with his son Daren. Bill’s passion for the Marsh was matched only by his joy in sharing the experience. If you were lucky enough to find him there, it was almost guaranteed you’d be invited to step up to his scope to learn about whatever had captured his interest that day.
“Bill Anderson was such a beloved Edmonds resident who created so many connections with his love of the Marsh and our Edmonds wildlife”, said Mayor Mike Nelson. “Installing a permanent wildlife viewing scope in his name is one way we can honor his generous contributions to our community.”
To continue his generous legacy, The City of Edmonds is raising $5,000 to purchase a wildlife viewing scope to be installed on Bill’s favorite viewing platform at the Edmonds Marsh. The selected model is a SeeCoast Mark I telescope with a 20x60 optic optimal for wildlife viewing mounted on an ADA accessible base to give viewers of all abilities the pleasure of watching wildlife in the Marsh.
To donate, please mail a check payable to the ‘City of Edmonds’ to the address below, or call to donate by credit card. Please be sure to specify that your donation is for the
Bill Anderson Memorial Scope Fund. Donations will be accepted through October 31, 2021.
Edmonds Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
700 Main St. Edmonds WA 98020
425-771-0230
Learn more about Bill Anderson’s work and legacy at this year’s Puget Sound Bird Fest online, September 11-12th at
pugetsoundbirdfest.com.