January 2025

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 Bainbridge Island 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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