Mary Frances Lyons looked forward to retirement, not ever dreaming that this Midwestern city girl would have the good fortune to make “landfall” on a Pacific Northwest island. And Vashon Maury Island is unique in so many wonderful ways, the island itself, the people, and the ethos, situated In King County with Seattle, so close and yet so far!

Over ten years of being here part-time in the summers led her to moving here full time sixteen years ago. She found the Land Trust and then the Land Trust found her. Of all the organizations working to keep Vashon…Vashon, the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust (VMILT) is front and center. 

Her background in Human Resources and staffing has been instrumental in a number of Land Trust personnel changes over the years, providing input and guidance at key points in the process. And as for her personally, this is the longest she’s lived anywhere in her life, and she feels most connected to this island. This includes the people, the value system, the energy, the creativity, and the possibilities!  Her interest in all things musical led to her composing of a rap song detailing the history of Vashon and of the Land Trust.  She is an amateur birder, and it is no coincidence that land preservation efforts are to the benefit of the birds.  But she likes to think that her biggest contribution is making sure the Land Trust is moving forward always, advancing broad and diverse community interests in conservation and open space preservation.

Mary Fran serves on the Development and Communications Committee.