BI Land Trust moves to protect heron nest colony
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, February 12, 2025
An iconic wildlife feature of Bainbridge Island with an uncertain future may be saved from the great blue yonder.
The BI Land Trust has initiated a fundraiser to purchase a 0.4-acre shoreline parcel near Winslow that harbors a historic Great Blue Heron rookery, as part of its “Stand for the Land” campaign. The move comes 10 months after the land was put up for sale for a combined $1.3 million.
“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 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.”
When both rookery parcels went on the market last April, BILT began to research the viability of purchasing the rookery before announcing the call for fundraising. BILT’s “Stand for the Land” campaign has protected 166 acres of natural areas on BI since 2017. As critical habitat for a state-sensitive species, the rookery is a natural addition, Brady added.
Just under an acre combined, the small patch of forested land is home to a colony of about 30 heron nests, which the birds occupy in the spring and summer to raise their young. The nests are concentrated in the southern parcel, but state regulations restrict construction or other disturbances within close range of rookeries, so both parcels have remained undeveloped.
George and Jane Hancock, owners of Maritime Pacific Brewery in Ballard, bought the land in the 1970s hoping to build their dream home, but never found the time. The couple listed both pieces of land and sold the northern portion to another BI couple, Zachary and Chelsea Delecki, for $500,000 in November.
The organization is hoping to purchase the southern parcel, but has yet to hear from the Deleckis, who may have plans to develop their parcel, BILT communications coordinator Mac Davenport said.
“The land will be protected primarily for the heron rookery and the shoreline. While it is a small parcel for the land trust to acquire, it serves as critical habitat and a rare rookery on the island,” Davenport said. “Given its size and the sensitive nature of the rookery, the parcel will not have public access. However, most of the rookery nests and heron activity can be viewed from Lovell Avenue.”
