Honoring former Blue Mountain Land Trust Board Member Barbara Manierre

Walla Walla, WA — Blue Mountain Land Trust recently dedicated a memorial bench in honor of former board member Barbara Manierre on the Whitetail Trail above Reservoir Road at Bennington Lake.

Barbara served on the Blue Mountain Land Trust Board of Directors from 2018 to 2024 with thoughtfulness, generosity, and a deep commitment to protecting the places that make our region special. After retiring to Walla Walla in 2014, she became an active leader for conservation with a passion for helping people better understand the land, water, and wildlife that define our region through education programs. Her leadership, including serving as Board Secretary, helped guide the organization during an important chapter in its growth.

“I was fortunate to work alongside Barbara throughout her years on our Board, and she embodied everything Blue Mountain Land Trust strives to be,” said Amanda Martino, BMLT Executive Director. “Whether she was helping us navigate a complex legal issue or championing natural resources education, Barbara always led with kindness and a deep love for this place. She cared about connecting people with the land and ensuring future generations could experience and learn from these places. We hope this bench becomes a place for reflection, connection, and appreciation for the landscape Barbara cared for so deeply.”

The bench overlooks one of Barbara's favorite places, offering visitors a quiet place to enjoy the landscape she cared about so deeply. Family, friends, board members, and partners gathered to celebrate her life and recognize the lasting impact of her service.

“Barbara generously gave her time, talents, and wisdom to further the work of BMLT, from her impeccable proofreading skills to making a beautiful "Blue Mountains" quilt for the silent auction to opening her home for gatherings and workshops,” said Linda Herbert, past BMLT Board President. “Her inquisitive nature, attention to detail, and exceptional intelligence were invaluable to the organization.”

Blue Mountain Land Trust extends our heartfelt thanks to the Manierre family for their many years of support and commitment to our mission, and to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for helping make Barbara's memorial bench possible. Looking ahead, we plan to explore opportunities to support stewardship of the trails surrounding the bench and participate in native planting work parties that help care for this special place.

We hope everyone who stops at Barbara's bench takes a moment to enjoy the view and remember the people whose dedication helps protect the places we all love.