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New preserve opening on Bainbridge Island

Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 18, 2024

By Staff report

BI Land Trust courtesy photos Flags mark the spots for some of the over 2,000 native plants recently placed at the Springbrook Creek Preserve.
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BI Land Trust courtesy photos

Flags mark the spots for some of the over 2,000 native plants recently placed at the Springbrook Creek Preserve.

BI Land Trust courtesy photos Flags mark the spots for some of the over 2,000 native plants recently placed at the Springbrook Creek Preserve.
BI Land Trust volunteers remove invasive species and plant native species near the footbridge at the Springbrook Creek Preserve.

A new nature preserve is opening on Bainbridge Island May 1.

BI Land Trust’s Springbrook Creek Preserve provides a crucial haven for migratory birds, salmon and amphibians, its news release says.

The trust will have an official opening to the public that Wednesday at 4 p.m. It will include a welcome dance and song performed by the Suquamish Tribe. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

The 23-acre preserve is made possible through donations to the trust’s Stand for the Land initiative.

Following a multi-year assessment and major work by staff and volunteers to remove a culvert and replace invasive species with more than 2,000 native plants, the creek flowing through the property has been restored. The property features a scenic walking trail that includes a new 30-foot pedestrian bridge spanning Springbrook Creek.

Cullen Brady, executive director of the trust, said the preserve is part of over 1,500 acres of critical habitat and conservation lands the trust has protected on BI. In the future, the trust will install interactive interpretive signs so visitors can learn about and connect with nature.

Parking is available at Johnson Farm. The preserve is located at 7550 Fletcher Bay Road. Hours are sunrise to sunset.

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