The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society is working to purchase 261 acres of old and second-growth forest valued at $6.8 million on the northwestern side of Cortes Island in the Discovery Islands. According to the society, an agreement with Mosaic Forest Management has been reached to purchase what they propose to call the Children’s Forest, but they must secure the funds by Nov. 19. Chris Dragseth, with the trust, said the forest has incredible ecological value and its role in safeguarding several at-risk species. He said for the children who have either grown up on or visited Cortes Island, the forest’s influence on their lives has been profound. …The society has set a fundraising goal of $7.5 million to cover purchase and closing costs, as well as to establish an endowment to cover future ownership and maintenance expenses.