April 2021

22 Apr Save the Date! Building Knowledge of Bainbridge Island Wildlife with Cameras

Community Presentation  May 19 6-7 PM Zoom Since 2015, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust has used remote cameras, also known as “camera traps,” to better understand wildlife occurrence and behavior on our Island, and has utilized these insights in management plans for our lands. In 2020, the Land Trust was awarded a grant by the Bainbridge Community Foundation to expand the community’s involvement in this effort and to expand Woodland Park Zoo’s Seattle Urban Carnivore Project onto Bainbridge Island. Over the past year, with guidance from Woodland Park Zoo, Land Trust volunteers have been engaged in camera trap efforts across three properties. In this community presentation, we will discuss how the insights gained from camera trapping can help us to appreciate and maintain our Island’s wildlife, with practical tips for coexisting with carnivores, in particular. We’ll also let you know how you can participate in these camera trapping efforts.   UPDATE 5/14:  Thank you to everyone who registered for the presentation! Currently, our Zoom capacity has been met and registration is now closed. But, not to fear! The presentation will be recorded and uploaded to the Land Trust’s website.  If you have any other questions, please contact Matt Steinwurtzel, our Community Engagement Coordinator.

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20 Apr Help Steward the Cougar Creek Preserve – Volunteers Needed!

Calling all Volunteers! First Wednesday Work Parties are back and the Bainbridge Island Land Trust needs your help! Come join us on Wednesday, August 4th to tackle Himalayan blackberry out at the Land Trust’s Cougar Creek Preserve. This 15.35 acre property was purchased as part of the Stand for the Land Campaign and provides critical wildlife habitat on the south side of the Island including mature forest, wetlands, and a large seasonal pond which is great for wildlife and bird watching. Help us maintain an active restoration area on the property and begin clearing the space for future planting work parties! We are hosting two time slots on August 4th: 9 am – 11 am 4 pm – 6 pm If you’re able to join us for either of these times, please sign-up by clicking here.  Snacks and refreshments will be provided, along with tools. Parking details will be provided to those who RSVP. We hope you join us!

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13 Apr Ted Olson Nature Preserve Expanded!

The Ted Olson Nature Preserve has been expanded by adding two more acres to this beloved neighborhood-protected area. In partnership with the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and a neighborhood-led group, Friends of Ted Olson, a successful fundraising drive was launched to expand the beloved park and save critical habitat. When the Island neighborhood group first heard that the two-acre parcel adjacent to the Preserve was at risk of development, they knew they had to act quickly. The group approached the Land Trust to assist with the effort to acquire and secure the parcel. With nearly two acres of mixed alder and conifer forest and a native plant understory featuring salmonberry, salal, fern, skunk cabbage, and more, these additional acres protect portions of a larger wetland complex and build upon an existing wildlife network in the vicinity. After an energetic few months of fundraising and community appeals by the neighborhood group, including a grant from the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation and a significant financial commitment by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District (BIMPRD) – the Land Trust had the funds needed to purchase the property. Thanks to the committed action of the neighborhood group and other community partners, these two additional acres will be added to the Ted Olson Nature Preserve. This addition will be permanently protected through a Bainbridge Island Land Trust Conservation Easement. The Island community will now be able to enjoy the expanded natural wonders within the Ted Olson Nature Preserve. The Land Trust thanks the Friends of Ted Olson, the neighborhood group, the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District (BIMPRD), the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, and the generous community of supporters who stood up to help save and conserve this land.   Ted Olson Nature Preserve © Shaun Swalley

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