stand for the land Tag

02 May Successful Campaign Unites Community to Protect 38 Acres of Grand Forest East

News Mac Davenport

May 2, 2025 BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – The Bainbridge Island Land Trust, together with its partners— the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District and the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation—announces the success of the collaborative campaign to protect the 38-acre parcel at Grand Forest East. Launched on short notice and under an urgent timeline, the campaign received an extraordinary outpouring of generosity and support. Announced only two months ago with a goal to raise over $2.2 million, the campaign faced a tight timeline after the announcement by the Bainbridge Island School District to surplus the 38- acre property in February. The success of this campaign was vital to ensure the property could be purchased by the Park District, which will preserve the land for recreation and conservation. The parcel has been managed as part of the Grand Forest parkland for more than 30 years, even though it was owned by the School District as a possible school site. The community responded swiftly with contributions from hundreds of supporters, including a transformational gift by a private conservation fund established by an Island family, allowing this campaign to reach its ambitious goal in a short timeframe. The success ensures that the property will remain preserved as a public park for future generations, securing its place in the heart of the Island’s natural landscape. “We are incredibly grateful to the Bainbridge Island community for its overwhelming support for the Stand for the Grand Forest campaign,” said Cullen Brady, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. “This collaboration has been a wonderful example of how we can come together to protect the Island’s most cherished places. This campaign demonstrated the strength and unity of this community by ensuring this land remains in public ownership.” The property, which is part of the…

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Two herons interact at their nest in a big leaf maple tree

09 Apr Bainbridge Island Land Trust Secures Permanent Protection for Winslow Heron Rookery with Strong Community Support

News Mac Davenport

Bainbridge Island, WA — April 9, 2025 — The Bainbridge Island Land Trust announced today that is closing on the purchase of the Winslow Heron Rookery, a vital nesting site for Great Blue Herons along the shores of Eagle Harbor. This achievement was made possible through the generosity and dedication of community members who rallied to safeguard this critical habitat. The Winslow Rookery, home to approximately 25 heron nests constructed high in the big leaf maple trees, is one of the few known nesting sites for Great Blue Herons on Bainbridge Island. The half-acre parcel also includes tidelands, shoreline, wetlands, and riparian vegetation—essential for maintaining Eagle Harbor’s ecological health and resilience to a changing climate. In 2024, the property was listed for sale, raising concerns within the community about potential development that could threaten the sensitive habitat. After completing its standard due diligence process and negotiations, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust mobilized a fundraising campaign in February 2025 with a goal of $300,000 to secure the land. Thanks to an outpouring of community support, the campaign successfully raised the funds, enabling the Land Trust to purchase the property and ensure the long-term protection and stewardship of the rookery. “This conservation success demonstrates our community’s deep commitment to protecting Bainbridge Island’s wildlife habitats and natural spaces,” said Cullen Brady, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. “Because of this collective effort, the Winslow Heron Rookery will remain a safe haven for Great Blue Herons and other wildlife for generations to come.” The Land Trust extends its gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and partners who contributed to this effort. Their support underscores the community’s ongoing dedication to protecting the Island’s cherished natural environments. In late March, several Great Blue Herons were seen returning to the rookery for their annual nesting…

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Flyer for Grand Jam with evergreen trees overlaying retro sunset graphic and guitar headstock.

05 Mar Grand Jam for the Grand Forest

Events Mac Davenport Saturday, April 19th | 5:30 PM Treehouse Café | 4569 Lynwood Center Rd NE Join us for an epic night of live music and community action to save the Grand Forest East! The Bainbridge Island Land Trust, with the support of the Parks & Trails Foundation, is on a mission to save nearly 40 acres of Grand Forest East—a critical part of our island’s forests and trails. With a goal to raise $2.4 million this spring, we can't do this without your help!  Live Music Lineup: Georgia and Andy’s Extraordinary Playlist Blue Fish Ocean Men Side Bar Six Gun Rebels (Bad Company tribute) The clock is ticking. Grab your tickets, bring your friends, and together we can save this forest! Spread the word—#StandfortheGrandForest Tickets: Just $30 entry — all proceeds support Stand for the Grand Forest NOW SOLD OUT! Thank you for your support. Limited tickets may be available at the door. BUY TICKETS
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Graphic features a hiker on a trail, with a forest overlay and trail signs that read "Open House, Guided Walks, Conservation Work Party, Scavenger Hunt." Text reads "Drop-in Day. Sat, March 15" "Prue's House, 9600 Mandus Olson Rd" with the Stand for the Grand Forest logo and partner logos.

27 Feb Grand Forest Drop-In Day

Events Mac Davenport Saturday, March 15 9:30am-2pm | Prue's House at Hilltop | 9600 Mandus Olson Rd Join us at Grand Forest Drop-in Day for an opportunity to explore the Grand Forest East and get involved with the Land Trust's effort to protect it! Learn about the Stand for the Grand Forest campaign and connect with partners at our drop-in Open House, volunteer at the hands-on conservation work party, hit the trails on a guided nature walk, or go for an outdoor adventure with our forest scavenger hunt! Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, with support from the BI Parks & Trails Foundation and the BI Metro Park & Recreation District. Open House 9:30am-2pm • Prue's House Drop in to learn about the history of the Grand Forest East & our community-led effort to protect it! Chat with campaign partners from the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and BI Parks & Trails Foundation, as well as local conservation experts. Bagels and light refreshments will be served. This is a free, come-and-go event—no registration is needed for the open house. Scavenger Hunt 9:30am-2pm • Start at Prue's House Go on an adventure to discover details in the forest and search for Hooty the Owl hidden in the trees. Fun for curious minds of all ages! Drop in to Prue's House at anytime during the open house to pick up your Scavenger Hunt sheet. Complete the scavenger hunt to win a prize! Find Hooty the Owl! Conservation Work Party 10am-12pm • Meet at Prue's House The Bainbridge Island Land Trust and the BI Metro Park & Recreation District will be leading a joint work party in the Grand Forest East, initiating our ongoing partnership to restore and steward this treasured land. Volunteer with us to help remove invasive species and maintain a healthy forest habitat....
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Two herons interact at their nest

04 Feb A Rare Chance to Conserve Winslow’s Great Blue Heron Rookery

News Mac Davenport The Land Trust plans to acquire shoreline to protect critical habitat for the iconic Great Blue Heron Bainbridge Island, WA — January 28, 2025 Along a stretch of shoreline on Eagle Harbor, you’ll hear the echoes of the sounds of Herons and rustling trees above – this is a place where Great Blue Herons return year after year to nest. This special place isn’t just a piece of land; it’s a home for wildlife and a beloved sanctuary in our community. The Bainbridge Island Land Trust is excited to announce a new project to protect the Winslow Rookery, a vital nesting site for Great Blue Herons located on Lovell Avenue. This effort is part of the ongoing Stand for the Land movement, dedicated to conserving the Island’s most cherished natural habitats. The Winslow Rookery, established for decades, is one of the few known Great Blue Heron nesting sites on Bainbridge Island. With approximately 30 nests, it plays a crucial role in the life cycle of these majestic birds, which are considered a sensitive species by the Washington State Department of Ecology. In April 2024, two undeveloped waterfront parcels encompassing the rookery were listed for sale, prompting community concern over potential development impacts on this essential habitat. Recognizing the ecological significance of the rookery, the Land Trust is now working to acquire and permanently protect the portion of the property with the greatest number of bird nests. “The Great Blue Heron is an iconic species on this Island, and the Winslow Rookery is indispensable for their continued presence here,” said Cullen Brady, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. “Conserving this habitat aligns with our mission to conserve and steward the diverse natural environments of Bainbridge Island for the benefit of all.” LEARN MORE This is a rare opportunity to safeguard...
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