News

13 Apr Ted Olson Nature Preserve Expanded!

News Matt Steinwurtzel

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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25 Mar Renew Your Commitment to the Land Trust’s Conservation Work!

News Matt Steinwurtzel

  Bainbridge Islanders seeking to stay healthy and find solace during the pandemic have flocked to the Island’s natural areas. Thanks to decades of support from Land Trust members, there are a lot of options available. Your membership will provide support for day-to-day Land Trust operations and allow us to continue tackling conservation projects large and small – while stewarding and restoring properties already protected. Plus, Land Trust members receive twice-yearly newsletters (look for yours in early April) and early access to the Native Plant Sale slated for October! Join as a first-time member, or renew your membership here.  

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09 Nov Call for Volunteers – The Seattle Urban Carnivore Project on Bainbridge Island

News Matt Steinwurtzel About the Project Urban spaces and the suburbs that sprawl around them are growing worldwide, pushing some carnivore species into more remote regions, while forcing others to adapt to higher human densities. Increasing contact between humans and carnivores potentially leads to more human-carnivore interactions and increased concerns about risks to humans, whether real or perceived. The continued survival of urban carnivore populations, as well as a sense of security for the public, requires an increased understanding of, and coexistence with, these species. Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle University have launched a new project to explore how mammalian carnivores, such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, and even cougars and bears live and interact with people across urban and suburban areas in the Seattle region, and beyond. Call for Volunteers Thanks to a grant awarded by the Bainbridge Community Foundation, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust now has the funding needed to provide our community with the opportunity to assist with this exciting initiative. This new program will use camera traps to build off of efforts by the Land Trust – since 2015 – to better understand the use of the Island by wildlife. And we need your help! We’re currently recruiting volunteers to help carry out this project, allowing us to participate in the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project as well as to continue the Land Trust's efforts to increase our knowledge of all local wildlife species - from squirrels to bears. If you’re interested, please read the assignment descriptions, decide on a role in which you would like to participate, and fill out the form below. Please note that we are currently recruiting field volunteers who are comfortable checking our camera traps in teams of three while following current social-distancing protocols. We hope to soon announce volunteer opportunities for this project that... READ MORE

03 Sep Thanks to Your Support, We’ve Met Our Challenge!

News Matt Steinwurtzel

Because of conservation-minded Islanders like yourself, we’ve met our Challenge to secure $2 million in new funding for habitat protection. Thanks to your efforts, the Stand for the Land campaign has permanently safeguarded four spectacular properties, totaling 66 acres. But we’re not done yet. Now, with your continued support, we’ll purchase the fifth and final Stand for the Land property – a true Island treasure. The newly proposed preserve is home to an array of bird and animal species and provides a desperately needed ecological link between other critical habitat areas. Stay tuned for an announcement on the property over the coming week, and keep your eyes out for a sneak-peek view of this spectacular habitat.

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25 Aug Looking for ‘Easy-Does-It’ Hikes from Walks on Bainbridge?

News Matt Steinwurtzel

Are you looking for an ‘easy’ walk on the Island but still want to take in the amazing sights and sounds of our natural areas? Download this short guide to accompany your new copy of Walks on Bainbridge by clicking here. The ‘Easy-Does-It’ guide is a perfect companion for Walks on Bainbridge, containing recommendations that are perfect for those who wish to avoid steep hills and strenuous trails. You can pick up a copy of Walks on Bainbridge, by Dave and Alice Shorett, at Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bay Hay and Feed, Wildernest, and Dana’s Showhouse. All proceeds support the Land Trust.

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02 Jul A Sneak Peek of the Third Edition of Walks on Bainbridge!

News Matt Steinwurtzel

Get out onto the Island’s beautiful trails with a sneak peek of the all-new edition of Walks on Bainbridge! The Third Edition of Walks on Bainbridge is an all-color guide featuring 30 walks on Bainbridge Island. Each walk features detailed maps and instructions, so don’t miss your chance to preview the favorite guidebook of Islanders alike!  The new edition is now available at Eagle Harbor Book Company, Wildernest, Bay Hay & Feed, Dana’s Showhouse, and the Land Trust office for $14.95!   To download your sneak peek, click here. 

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10 Jun Nature and Communities of all Backgrounds, Flourish, Together

News Matt Steinwurtzel

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust works to preserve and steward the diverse natural environment of our Island, for the benefit of all. Acts of racism, discrimination, and brutality work against our mission. We fundamentally believe that nature and communities of all colors and backgrounds, flourish, together.*   *This statement was originally published on the Land Trust’s social media channels on June 2nd and can be found here.

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20 Apr Bringing Nature to You

News Matt Steinwurtzel

The Land Trust is excited to provide new ways to bring the wonders of our Island’s natural world to you, virtually. We welcome you to explore our Bringing Nature to You page, a webpage designed to provide you with interactive materials, resources, and activities that bring the natural wonders of our Island to your homes.  

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17 Mar Bainbridge Island Land Trust and COVID-19: We’re all in this together.

News Matt Steinwurtzel

Dear Supporters of the Land Trust, Your health and the safety of our community are vital to the work of the Land Trust, as is, of course, our staff.  While work of the Land Trust continues, to help protect all our health, we have made the decision for Land Trust staff to work remotely at this time. If you need to get in contact with us call or email, we are still working!  Updates on reopening the office to the public will be determined by following specific guidelines set out by local and state leaders. Regrettably, we have canceled all upcoming public group tours of the new Springbrook Creek Preserve and other properties out of an abundance of caution.  But you can take a virtual tour by clicking below: Springbrook Creek Preserve Virtual Tour Miller-Kirkman Preserve Virtual Tour Our community is extremely lucky to have joined together for over 30 years to protect more than 1,400 acres of natural places on the Island. Natural spaces you’ve helped us protect provide a refreshing break from self-isolation or social-distancing. We encourage you to get outside and spend some time connecting with nature. Try visits to Agate Passage Preserve, Pritchard Park, the Grand Forest, or Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, all properties that the Land Trust has helped conserve and are currently open for independent public access.  We’re all in this together. If you need help with anything, please reach out to us. Additionally, Bainbridge Prepares has created an online resource to request assistance and information specifically for our Island relating to the COVID-19 response.  https://bainbridgeislandcovid19.recovers.org We thank each and every one of you for your steadfast and ongoing dedication, support, and leadership. In these challenging times, remember, a stroll in the woods or a beach walk can provide us all with calming relief to boost both physical and mental health. Be…

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