January 2025

Kayakers in the Little Manzanita Bay Estuary

21 Jan Conservation Opportunity: Little Manzanita Bay Estuary

News Mac Davenport About the Little Manzanita Bay Estuary Salmon and herring spawn in its cold, clear water; kingfishers patrol its shorelines and streams; and critically endangered Southern Resident orcas are supported by its vital shoreline and tidelands. Little Manzanita Bay and its broader watershed, extending from uplands to estuary, is home to some of the last remaining intact habitats on the Island. This parcel supports a healthy Puget Sound ecosystem with 5.1 total acres of intact estuary and nearshore habitat, 1,149 feet of undisturbed shoreline and 2.8 acres of critical tidelands. This conservation opportunity will expand protections west of the existing Miller-Kirkman Preserve, extending crucial wildlife networks. Help lead the campaign to secure the Little Manzanita Bay Estuary! The Stand for the Land campaign represents a significant achievement for our community. Now, we have an opportunity to protect the most vital estuary on the island. Please pledge your support today to help raise the needed $1,000,000* to protect this property. Your bold support will aid in our rapid response to conserve this vulnerable estuary. Take the Pledge Pictured: Miller-Kirkman Preserve, © Zephyr Visuals
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14 Jan 2025 Book Bingo: Read with the Land Trust!

News Mac Davenport The Bainbridge Island Land Trust is holding a 2025 Book Bingo, inspired by the wonderful Seattle Public Library’s Summer Book Bingo! HOW IT WORKS Download the 2025 Book Bingo card. Between now and December 31, 2025, select books based on these conservation-related categories. Track your reading on the bingo card; one book can only be used to meet one category. For example, you could use a book of poems about birds for EITHER "nature poetry" or "feathered friends" but not both. Complete a bingo and/or blackout! You will receive a prize for both 1 bingo and blackout, but not more than 1 bingo. To receive your prize, drop off your card at our office or take a photo/scan and send it to Megan. You will need to collect your prize at the Land Trust office (147 Finch Place SW, Suite #3, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110)   Bingo: When you read a book that fits the category, write its title in the box. You may get 5 in a row up & down, left to right, or diagonally. The Free square counts towards your 5. Blackout: When you read a book that fits the category, write its title in the box. When you fill out the whole card (24 titles + the free square), you have blackout. WHERE CAN I FIND READING IDEAS? 2025 Suggested Reading List, curated by Bainbridge Island Land Trust staff & board Seattle Public Library Reading Lists: Birds Environmental Cli-fi or Environmental Non-fiction Local Author list from Bainbridge Public Library University of Wisconsin-Madison Water FIND BOOKS Eagle Harbor Books Bainbridge Island Public Library Friends of the Bainbridge Island Library Book Sales Please feel free to reach out to Megan Rohrssen, Community Education Coordinator, with any questions or suggestions. Happy reading!
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Volunteers at a Land Trust work party: 10 people stand in a meadow holding weed wrenches and work gloves.

13 Jan Launching New “Friends of the Land Trust” Volunteer Groups

News Mac Davenport Join the Bainbridge Island Land Trust's team of passionate environmental stewards – become a member of the Friends of Agate Passage Preserve or Friends of Manzanita Ridge Preserve! These volunteer groups offer a unique opportunity for those eager to make a meaningful impact in their local community by supporting the Land Trust's vital conservation efforts. Learn to perform hands-on stewardship work, such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, plantings, trail maintenance, and beach cleanups. Questions? Email Sydney, our Stewardship Associate. Join Friends of Manzanita Ridge Preserve What is Friends of Manzanita Ridge? Friends of Manzanita Ridge is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting stewardship efforts at the Preserve. Through hands-on activities like invasive species removal, trail maintenance, plantings, and watering, this group plays a key role in maintaining and preserving Manzanita Ridge. By joining, you will: Meet new friends and neighbors Strengthen community connections Help the Land Trust preserve this beautiful natural space Gain environmental education and outreach opportunities   Meeting & Involvement Details Stewardship training & site visit scheduled for March (more details to come!) Meet every few months at Manzanita Ridge Preserve to complete stewardship activities Report progress back to Land Trust staff Track volunteer hours Coordinate volunteer work parties as needed   Get Involved Today! Interested in becoming a member or team leader? Fill out the form here or reach out to Sydney, our Stewardship Associate. Let’s make a positive impact together! Join Friends of Agate Passage Preserve What is Friends of Agate Passage Preserve? Friends of Agate Passage Preserve is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting stewardship efforts at the Preserve. Through hands-on activities like invasive species removal, trail maintenance, plantings, and beach cleanups, this group plays a key role in maintaining and preserving this beautiful natural space. By joining, you will: Meet new friends and neighbors...
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A person walking two dogs on a trail in the Grand Forest East, surrounded by towering conifer trees.

07 Jan Bainbridge Island Land Trust and Parks & Trails Foundation to work with community to protect the 39-acre parcel in Grand Forest system  

News Mac Davenport January 10, 2025 | Bainbridge Island, WA The Bainbridge Island Land Trust and the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation acknowledge the recent announcement by the Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) that it plans to surplus, or sell, its 39-acre property that functions as part of Grand Forest East parkland. The Grand Forest nature complex is a treasured Bainbridge Island landscape, known for its interconnected trail network, intact forest core and vital natural habitats.  Recognizing the conservation and recreational value of this land, our organizations are united in our commitment to protect it permanently, ensuring that it remains undeveloped and accessible to the community for future generations. On January 9, the School Board voted to surplus the 39-acre parcel. The Land Trust and Parks & Trails Foundation will work closely with the Bainbridge Island community, local leaders, and other stakeholders as we explore ways to safeguard this valuable resource. We encourage everyone to join us in helping to conserve one of the Island’s most beloved natural and recreational spaces. A Brief History on the Grand Forest and this 39-acre parcel This parcel and the surrounding lands, known today as the Grand Forest, were originally managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to generate revenue for public education through timber harvests or land sales. In the late 1980s, plans by the State to sell the land prompted local activism. The “Committee to Save the DNR Forest” joined the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and Park District to fundraise through a bond levy, successfully protecting the first 240 acres of the Grand Forest, including the original Grand Forest West, North, and East (southern tract) parcels. At the same time, this 39-acre parcel was acquired by the Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) to serve as a potential school site based on projected population growth. As growth slowed...
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Graphic reads "Annual Meeting & Community Potluck. Friday, January 31" with decorative plants, mushrooms, and animals surrounding it.

03 Jan 2025 Annual Meeting & Community Potluck

Events Mac Davenport

You’re invited to the Land Trust’s annual community gathering in celebration of another exciting year of land conservation! Join us for free beverages, good company & the crowd-favorite potluck dinner.   Friday, January 31st, 5-8pm Social Hour: 5pm Potluck Dinner & Program: 6pm Grace Episcopal Church: 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA   Bring your family, friends, & a favorite dish to share! Whether you are a long-time Land Trust supporter or new to the Island, this is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with old acquaintances, and learn about the exciting projects on the Land Trust’s horizon. We will also be honoring this year’s recipients of the Phyllis Young Award and Volunteer of the Year award. The potluck is FREE & no RSVP is needed, though donations are graciously accepted. As this is a zero waste event, please provide your own cups, plates & cutlery. Childcare will be provided— please email us or call (206) 842-1216 to arrange details. 

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